After being caught on surveillance camera tampering with a female co-worker’s drink, a man identified as Joseph Ross has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and 24 months of extended supervision. However, the court decided to stay the sentence and instead placed Ross on three years’ probation.
The incident unfolded when the co-worker, known only as JH, noticed an unusual taste and smell in her soft drinks left on her desk, prompting her to set up a surveillance camera. The footage captured Ross, wearing clear latex gloves, pouring a foreign substance into her Coke can. JH then took the evidence to the police, leading to Ross pleading guilty to a felony charge of tampering with food.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Ross had a small bottle/tube dispenser with a white nozzle, which he used to contaminate the drink. Officers found a container of Gorilla brand super glue in Ross’ office, matching the substance found in JH’s drink.
As a result of his actions, Ross must now complete 75 hours of community service and write a 300-word essay on the impact of his conduct on the victim, the victim’s family, and the wider community, as part of his probation terms.