A Disturbing Case in Houston
Lucio Catarino Diaz, a 53-year-old janitor, was sentenced this Tuesday after pleading guilty to a shocking crime. Prosecutors revealed that Diaz deliberately tampered with water bottles in an East Houston medical building, leading to the infection of at least 13 women with herpes and hepatitis A. The victims worked in the same building where Diaz was employed as a custodian, and the incident occurred in 2022. This case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious concerns about workplace safety and trust.
The Crime Unveiled
According to reports, Diaz, who was infected with the herpes simplex 1 virus, used his position as a janitor to tamper with water bottles belonging to office workers. His actions were discovered when a victim captured the act on a spy camera placed on her desk. The footage showed Diaz urinating into her water bottle, a revelation that quickly led to his arrest in October 2022. The investigation that followed uncovered a pattern of similar behavior, with more than 13 women testing positive for incurable sexually transmitted diseases.
Legal Consequences
Diaz pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In this case, the "deadly weapon" was his bodily fluids, specifically urine and semen, which contained the herpes simplex 1 virus. Prosecutors reached a plea deal with Diaz, dismissing seven additional counts of aggravated assault. He was sentenced to six years in prison, with credit for the more than two years he has already served behind bars. Under the terms of the sentence, Diaz will be eligible for parole after serving three years of his six-year term.
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Victims Speak Out
The victims, all women working in the same East Houston office building, have come forward to share their harrowing experiences. One victim, who initially noticed something odd about the water from the office dispenser in August, later discovered the truth after setting up a hidden camera. Her revelation led to the identification of 11 additional victims who were subsequently tested for infections. The emotional and physical toll on these women has been immense, with one victim stating, "He gave me an STD I will have for the rest of my life." Their lawsuit, filed on behalf of the 13 women, highlights the severity of Diaz's actions and the long-lasting impact on their lives.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
This case has sparked outrage and concern within the Houston community. It raises important questions about workplace safety and the measures that should be in place to protect employees from such egregious violations. The lawsuit filed against Diaz underscores the need for stricter protocols and better surveillance in office environments. Employers and employees alike are now more vigilant, aware of the potential risks that can exist even in seemingly safe workplaces.
What Happens Next?
As Diaz serves his sentence, the victims continue to cope with the consequences of his actions. The legal process has provided some closure, but the emotional and physical scars remain. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust, accountability, and safety in the workplace. For those seeking justice, the sentence handed down to Diaz is a step in the right direction, but the broader conversation about workplace safety must continue.
For updates on this case and others, download the KHOU 11 app to stay informed on the latest developments. This story is a powerful example of how one person's actions can have far-reaching and devastating effects on others' lives.
