# Woman Accused of Spiking Tea During Restaurant Meeting

> Woman hospitalized after allegedly poisoning acquaintance with benzodiazepine in tea.
- Title: Woman Accused of Spiking Tea During Restaurant Meeting
- Summary: Woman hospitalized after allegedly poisoning acquaintance with benzodiazepine in tea. 52-year-old woman in New Jersey accused of poisoning acquaintance with…
- Keywords: woman, accused, spiking, tea, restaurant, meeting, poisoning, benzodiazepine, unauthorized banking, new jersey, bergen county, leonia police
- Source: Law & Crime — https://lawandcrime.com/crime/woman-accused-of-spiking-acquaintances-tea-during-restaurant-meeting-leaving-victim-hospitalized-for-days
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: woman, accused, spiking, tea, restaurant, meeting, poisoning, benzodiazepine, unauthorized banking, new jersey, bergen county, leonia police
## Woman hospitalized after tea incident
A 52-year-old woman in New Jersey is accused of poisoning an acquaintance during a meeting to discuss unauthorized banking activity.
## Investigation begins
Leonia police responded to a call about a resident hospitalized after a medical emergency that may have involved poisoning on Sept. 11.
## Bergen County Prosecutor's Office joins
Bergen County Prosecutor's Office joined the investigation with its Major Crimes Unit and Robbery-Homicide Division.
## Victim's account
The victim told investigators she believed an acquaintance had put something in her drink during a recent meeting.
## Restaurant meeting details
Bacani and the victim met at a Fort Lee restaurant on Sept. 8 to discuss unauthorized banking activity the victim detected.
## Tea incident
The victim drank some of the tea but detected an unusual taste before collapsing while leaving the restaurant.
## Hospitalization
The victim was hospitalized for several days with no knowledge of how she arrived.
## Poisoning confirmed
Authorities revealed Bacani had poisoned the victim with a controlled dangerous substance, a benzodiazepine, added to the tea.
## Charges filed
Bacani was charged with one count of third-degree aggravated assault following a weekslong investigation.
## Arrest
Authorities arrested Bacani outside her Hackensack residence on Oct. 14 after detectives located her.
## Bergen County Jail
Bacani was booked into Bergen County Jail without bond.
## Benzodiazepine effects
Benzodiazepines slow brain activity and can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and impaired coordination.
## FDA warnings
Overdosing on benzodiazepines can cause severe sedation, loss of consciousness and dangerously slowed breathing.
## Case status
Bacani is currently held without bond in Bergen County Jail.
## Key takeaway

52-year-old woman in New Jersey accused of poisoning acquaintance with benzodiazepine during financial meeting.