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Houston, Texas – A Houston janitor was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to urinating into office workers’ water bottles, leading to multiple employees contracting herpes simplex 1 and hepatitis A.
Lucio Catarino Diaz pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to prosecutors.
Disturbing Details of the Case
The incidents occurred at a medical office on Houston’s East Freeway, where the victim had worked for 20 years.
Employees used a shared water dispenser, but in August 2022, one worker noticed the water had a sour taste and smell.
She stopped drinking from it and switched to using her own personal water bottle.
In September 2022, the victim left her bottle on her desk. When she went to drink from it later, she noticed the same foul taste.
She threw the bottle away and bought a new one.
A few days later, she discovered a yellowish liquid inside her bottle. Suspecting something was wrong, she showed it to a co-worker, who agreed it smelled like urine.
They took the bottle to the on-site physician, who conducted a lab test confirming it was urine.
Shocking Surveillance Footage
Since the office had no security cameras, the victim purchased a hidden camera and placed it on her desk.
Soon, the motion detector alerted her to movement near the bottle.
When she reviewed the footage, she saw Diaz unzipping his pants, urinating inside her water bottle, and placing it back on her desk.
The video also showed him repeating the act multiple times over several days.
The victim immediately contacted Houston police, who confronted Diaz.
Janitor Confesses, Victims Infected
During questioning, Diaz admitted to the act, saying he had a “sickness” and didn’t know how many times he had done it.
Investigators tested his blood and urine, confirming he had herpes simplex 1 and hepatitis A—one of which is incurable.
Lab tests later revealed that at least three female employees contracted the same diseases.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office charged Diaz in October 2022. He was arrested and placed in immigration custody.
Since he has already served two years in jail, he will be eligible for parole after serving three more years.
Doctors warn that herpes simplex 1 and hepatitis A can weaken the immune system and, in severe cases, be life-threatening.
Public Safety Warning
Authorities urge businesses to install security cameras and monitor shared spaces to prevent similar incidents. If you suspect tampering with food or beverages in the workplace, report it immediately to law enforcement.
