A Wisconsin man has been arrested after allegedly contaminating his co-worker’s Coca-Cola with super glue in what authorities say was a deliberate act to cause harm.
Joseph Ross is facing charges after a criminal complaint accused him of adding cyanoacrylate, a powerful adhesive found in super glue, to a colleague’s drink while working at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exhibition Center. If convicted of this Class I felony, he could face a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to three years and six months.
Suspicious behavior leads to investigation
The victim, identified as JH, reported the incident to police officers on foot patrol at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. According to the complaint, JH had suspected for weeks that her beverages were being tampered with after detecting a strong chemical odor and taste.
“JH informed officers that approximately two to three weeks ago, she suspected her beverages at her desk had been tampered with,” the complaint stated. After consuming the affected drinks, she reportedly became ill, reinforcing her suspicions that someone had deliberately contaminated her beverages.
Surveillance footage reveals disturbing act
Authorities launched an investigation that uncovered damning surveillance footage. The video allegedly shows Ross wearing latex gloves while squeezing liquid from a small tube with a white nozzle into a Coke can before leaving the office.
When questioned by Lt. Rehbein on March 20 at around 5:20 p.m., Ross admitted to placing a “supplement” in his colleague’s soda. However, further investigation led officers to search his office, where they discovered clear protective gloves wrapped around a blue plastic cap and a container of Gorilla Super Glue.
Arrest and legal consequences
Following the discovery of incriminating evidence, Ross was arrested and taken to the Criminal Justice Facility for processing. If found guilty, he faces severe penalties, including a maximum prison sentence of three years and six months, as well as a hefty fine.
The shocking case has raised concerns about workplace safety, with authorities continuing their investigation to determine Ross’s exact motives and whether additional charges may be warranted.