A school employee was in a toxic relationship and allegedly tried to poison her ex-boyfriend
Cheryl Gates, 43, is accused of trying to kill her ex-boyfriend James Gates. Cheryl works at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools as a pediatric occupational therapist in Charlotte, NC. Cheryl was arrested on October 10, 2025. Cheryl is a pediatric occupational therapist at multiple CMS schools.
Cheryl Gates

Cheryl is accused of trying to poison James on multiple occasions. James was living with Cheryl and he tasted something funny in his drinks several times. James got sick and sought an investigation. Cheryl was even accused of putting a tracking device on James’s vehicle.
Cheryl was arrested upon the investigation and charged with attempted murder,
contaminate food or drink to render one mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, stalking, and damage to property.



