Janitor Sentenced to 6 Years for Infecting Co-Workers with STDs by Tainting Water Supply
A shocking incident has unfolded in a Houston medical office where multiple employees were infected with sexually transmitted diseases after consuming water contaminated by a janitor. Lucio Catarino Diaz, aged 53, has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to a single count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The prosecution dismissed seven additional counts of aggravated assault and a charge of indecent assault in a plea deal with Diaz, citing his bodily fluids as the weapon used in the assault.
The disturbing discovery was made by an employee at the medical office in September 2022, who noticed an unusual taste and smell in the water from the communal dispenser. Concerned about the quality of the water, the employee began bringing her own water bottles to work. However, she soon noticed a foul smell emanating from her personal water bottle, prompting her to take action. After a co-worker detected a yellow tint in the water and raised suspicions, a urinalysis test confirmed the presence of urine in the contaminated water.
In a bid to uncover the culprit, the employee set up a hidden camera on her desk and placed a large bottle of water as bait. Shockingly, the footage captured Diaz urinating into her water bottle on multiple occasions. When confronted by authorities, Diaz admitted to the act, explaining that he did it intentionally with the knowledge that the employee would consume the contaminated water. Further testing revealed the presence of Herpes simplex virus type 1 and chlamydia in both Diaz and the affected employee.
The District Attorney’s office classified Diaz’s urine as a “deadly weapon” due to the potentially severe health risks associated with the transmitted diseases. Subsequently, multiple women who fell victim to the contamination have come forward, leading to a series of civil suits against Diaz. Despite the six-year prison sentence, there is a possibility that Diaz could be released in as little as three years, factoring in credit for time served.
This appalling incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals in shared spaces and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding one’s health and well-being. The deliberate contamination of a water supply with harmful substances highlights the grave consequences of such reckless actions on unsuspecting individuals. While justice has been served in this case through the legal system, the emotional and physical toll on the victims cannot be understated.
The ramifications of Diaz’s actions extend far beyond the confines of the medical office, impacting the lives of those affected and prompting a reevaluation of safety measures in similar environments. The breach of trust and violation of personal boundaries in this case underscore the need for stringent security protocols and thorough background checks in workplaces to prevent such egregious incidents from recurring.
As the affected individuals continue to grapple with the aftermath of this distressing episode, the case stands as a cautionary tale against the abuse of power and the disregard for the well-being of others. The legal proceedings surrounding Diaz’s sentencing shed light on the importance of accountability and the pursuit of justice in upholding the rights and safety of individuals in society.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Lucio Catarino Diaz for infecting co-workers with STDs through tainted water serves as a chilling reminder of the potential harm that can arise from malicious intent. It serves as a call to action for enhanced vigilance and security measures to safeguard against such egregious acts in the future.