CMS employee charged with attempted murder, accused of poisoning ex

CHARLOTTE — An employee with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has been charged with attempted murder.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Cheryl Harris Gates was taken into custody on Friday.

The 43-year-old is alleged to have harassed someone who sources say is her ex. She is also accused of trying to poison him.

Police, however, did not disclose how long the investigation into the alleged poison plot has been ongoing or the type of chemical involved.

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Gates is facing several charges, including attempted murder, contaminating food and drink to render one mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, stalking, and property damage.

She is currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

It is unclear if the school district still employs Gates. However, police said the incident occurred off school property and did not involve any student, teacher, or facility.

Some parents have voiced their concerns about Gates’ continued presence in the school system, even if she is acquitted of the charges.

“It’s definitely surprising that somebody in that capacity that is there to help others would do something, that type of crime, especially,” said Quemella Holland, another concerned parent.

Laurie Leebrick, another parent, commented, “She never should have been around kids at all. They should have done better background checks.”

CMPD said the investigation into this case is active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-336-2379 and speak directly to the domestic violence unit.

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