Texas Janitor Sentenced for Infecting Women with STDs

Lucio Catarino Diaz, a janitor at a medical office in Houston, Texas, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for urinating in water bottles and a communal water dispenser, resulting in 13 women contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including Herpes simplex 1 and hepatitis A. The incidents came to light when one victim noticed a foul taste and smell in her water, prompting her to set up a hidden camera that captured Diaz contaminating her bottle. Despite video evidence and his confession, Diaz received a relatively lenient sentence without the requirement to register as a sex offender, which has been criticized by many. Victims have filed lawsuits against the building's management and cleaning company, seeking over $1 million in damages. During his trial, Diaz claimed his actions were due to a 'sickness' and expressed remorse. He will be eligible for parole in a little over a year, factoring in time already served.