Bleach Poured In 'Difficult' Coworker's Drink: Volusia Sheriff

DELAND, FL — A Florida Dollar General employee is facing charges after authorities said he poured bleach into a co-worker's drink following an argument because he was "being difficult to work with," according to investigators.

Jerome Ellis, 48, of DeLand was charged with poisoning and tampering with evidence following the Oct. 24 incident, according to a Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit.

According to authorities, deputies were called to a Dollar General store at 2531 N. Woodland Blvd. shortly after 8:20 p.m. When they arrived, the unnamed victim told deputies he was drinking a soda with his lunch and left it unsupervised behind the counter to use the restroom. When he returned, the victim said he took a drink and it tasted and smelled like bleach or cleaning supplies.

Deputies reviewed video surveillance footage from the store, which showed Ellis pouring bleach into the soda can. Authorities said Ellis also wiped the can with a paper towel, walked away and came back to spit in the drink.

Video surveillance also showed Ellis attempting to unplug the store's security cameras, according to the arrest affidavit.

According to authorities, Ellis told deputies he wiped bleach around the can rim to get back at his co-worker for "being difficult to work with."

Ellis was taken to Volusia County Jail, authorities said.