Imagine walking into your office each day, unaware that your routine sip of water could change your life forever. A simple act of hydration turned into a sinister nightmare for a medical office in Houston. Welcome to 'The True Crime Pod,' where we unravel the terrifying and perplexing tales that hide in plain sight.

Hello, I'm Ian, your host, and today we delve into a chilling story of betrayal and contamination. Before we continue, please be advised that today's episode contains descriptions of actions that may be distressing to some listeners, including references to outbreaks of infectious diseases as a result of criminal activity.

It was a hot August day in Houston when life at a bustling doctor's office seemed perfectly normal. Patients came and went, workers were busy, and everything appeared in order. Among them was a dedicated employee, whose life was about to take a dark and unexpected turn. In that office, a janitor by the name of Lucio Catarino Diaz played an inconspicuous role — responsible for keeping the facility clean and orderly. But unknown to many, Diaz harbored a dark secret.

As the days passed, things started to seem slightly off. An employee noticed her water tasting odd, a subtle sign that quickly escalated into something much more sinister. Discrepancies emerged — the once innocuous water bottles in the office began to emit a strange odor, casting a shadow of doubt and concern. Unbeknownst to her, this was only the beginning.

Fast forward to September, when that familiar and unsettling odor grew unnervingly strong. A co-worker, intending to make a simple gesture of kindness by preparing coffee, uncovered a shocking revelation — the bottled water appeared yellowish. The realization set the entire office on edge.

Turning suspicion into action, the victims initiated a thread of investigations, one that would uncover a terrifying breach of trust and hygiene. A simple urinalysis test, initiated by an in-office physician, confirmed the worst fear — it wasn't water; it was urine. In a desperate bid to unveil the perpetrator, hidden cameras were placed strategically, accumulating evidence quietly yet effectively.

Then, on the last day of September, the evidence became irrefutable. Disturbing footage captured Diaz committing the unthinkable: contaminating the water bottles with malicious intent, an act he repeated multiple times. It was a revelation that sent ripples through the workplace.

The investigation deepened, with authorities stepping into the spotlight. Questions emerged about how many others were affected, and soon more victims came forward. The realization dawned that many of them contracted herpes simplex 1 and hepatitis A, turning a tale of contamination into a matter of public health.

As the case closed in on Diaz, he ultimately stood before the court, pleading guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A sentence of six years was pronounced, with eligibility for parole after three years. In a peculiar twist, the court decided Diaz would not be required to register as a sex offender upon his release, a point of contention among victims who struggled for closure.

Despite his attorney's claims of remorse, the scars of Diaz's crimes linger for those affected. This case raises unnerving questions about workplace safety and trust — an eerie reminder of how danger can lurk where we least expect it.

As we close this chapter, take a moment to reflect on vigilance and the impact of malicious deeds. If you or a loved one have been affected by similar situations, resources and helplines are available; we encourage you to reach out for support.

Thank you for joining us on this harrowing journey. Subscribe to 'The True Crime Pod' on all major platforms, and visit thetruecrimepod.com for more chilling tales. Until next time, stay safe, stay informed, and remember — sometimes the biggest mysteries hide right under our noses.