A New Jersey woman is facing a third-degree aggravated assault charge after prosecutors say she drugged a friend’s tea during a meeting about suspicious bank activity. Rohweniven Bacani, 52, arranged to meet the woman at a Fort Lee restaurant on September 8, according to Bergen County prosecutors. A cup of tea was already waiting when the friend arrived. She noticed an unusual taste, collapsed while leaving the restaurant, and woke up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. She remained hospitalized for several days.
A weeks-long investigation led detectives to conclude the tea contained a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep. Bacani was arrested outside her home and is being held at Bergen County Jail pending her first court appearance. The charge carries serious weight, though it is not the most severe poisoning charge available under New Jersey law.
For those of us here on the Suncoast, the case raises practical questions about financial trust. Many retirees and snowbirds share account access with a family member or trusted friend, often for convenience. Reviewing your bank statements regularly, knowing exactly who has access, and acting quickly on unauthorized activity are simple steps that protect more than your money. Have you ever had to confront someone about suspicious activity in your accounts? Tell us how you handled it.
