Spiking your food to catch an office food thief? Lawyer Weighs In

It’s not uncommon for coworkers to steal each other’s meals. In fact, food theft is a typical corporate problem as 1 in 5 workers admit to stealing their colleague’s meal in the workplace. In such cases, the best option is to bring up the issue at staff meetings, email all staff members, or have a quiet word with the culprit. 

But what if you’ve tried everything possible and your precious lunch still goes missing? Well, this was the case for a young black woman. She was the subject of a viral video where she can be seen pouring laxatives into her coffee creamer.

From her facial expression and tone in the video, anyone can understand that she’s frustrated, resulting in this unconventional tactic. 

However, her actions have raised questions as people wonder whether she’s liable for damages if the affected coworker presses charges. Fortunately, TikTok and YouTube star lawyer Ugo Lord provides a legal expert’s take. 

According to the famous attorney, “Eating someone’s food at work is a form of theft because you’re depriving the owner of their property.” Nevertheless, “…if that owner puts a laxative in their food, it’s a form of poison”. 

Dr. Lord further explains that intentionally sabotaging your drink, knowing someone’s going to drink it, means that you intend to cause them harm. Therefore, this young lady may be guilty of battery in all states and poison in some. 

Regardless, it’s important to note that the thieving coworker isn’t innocent since stealing a coworker’s food classifies as Petty larceny.

What is Petty Larceny?

Essentially, petty larceny, sometimes called petit larceny, is when someone steals a low-value item, usually less than $1000 in most states. If found guilty, the thieving coworker will be punished with fines or a relatively short jail time, generally less than one year. 

However, to press charges for petty theft, the lady must provide evidence that the individual took her property without consent and for an extended period. 

But what if the laxative is too strong and causes serious harm to the coworker?

According to Ugo Lord, this young black woman is most likely guilty of battery, and according to tort law, battery is intentionally causing someone harm or offensive contact. Therefore, the victim may claim damages for medical expenses or emotional distress. 

While it’s possible to argue that the trap was to stop the coworker from stealing her food, teach them a lesson, or identify the culprit, it may not be enough. Putting laxatives in someone’s drink is not a reasonable way to deal with food theft, as it can have severe consequences for the victim. 

Therefore, the lady may face battery and even poison charges for putting laxatives in her creamer to stop a food thief. Despite Dr. Lord’s revelation, the comment section had different opinions on her decision. 

The top YouTube comment reads, “It’s one thing to commit a crime. It’s stupid to show evidence to the world”, with someone suggesting that the video might be a joke. 

Another YouTube user has a possible defence in court, commenting, “No judge, I put laxatives in my creamer for my constipation. I’m not to blame for someone stealing my food”. Other viewers replied that while this argument is sound, it becomes less convincing since she recorded this viral video.

Did She Follow Through With Her Plan?

For now, there’s no further information about whether the thieving coworker took the creamer and pressed charges. It’s possible the viral video was a joke, or she later changed her mind on the plan. 

Nevertheless, if the coworker took the creamer, needed medical attention, and decided to press charges, the lady could be guilty of battery or even poisoning in most states.

Author: Susan Murphy