A school therapist in North Carolina has been arrested and charged with several serious offenses, including attempted murder and stalking, according to local authorities.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police confirmed that 43-year-old Cheryl Gates, an employee of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, was taken into custody on Friday following an investigation into a criminal incident. She has since been transferred to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, where she remains in custody.
Police said Gates faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, contaminating food or drink to render a person mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, stalking, and property damage.
Authorities have not yet disclosed specific details about the alleged crime or identified the intended victim. However, officials emphasized that the incident occurred off school property and did not involve any students, teachers, or other school staff.
At this time, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not commented on what led to the charges or provided a possible motive. Investigators have also not said whether Gates’ alleged actions were connected in any way to her role as a school therapist.
In a brief statement, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed Gates’ employment status but assured parents that there was no danger to students. “The incident did not occur on school grounds and did not involve any students or staff,” the district said, adding that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Court records show that Gates is being held pending a bond hearing. The charge of contaminating food or drink, considered a felony under North Carolina law, carries severe penalties if convicted, especially when linked to an attempted murder case.
Residents in the Charlotte community have expressed shock over the arrest, given Gates’ position in a profession centered on helping others. Neighbors described her as quiet and polite, saying they were stunned to learn of the allegations.
Local police say the investigation remains active and that additional details will be released as the case progresses. The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office is expected to review the evidence and determine whether to pursue further charges.
As of Sunday, no court date has been set for Gates’ first appearance. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
The arrest has left many in the community unsettled, with officials reiterating that while the allegations are grave, they are confined to an isolated incident and pose no ongoing threat to area schools.