Woman accused of poisoning friend’s tea after being confronted about suspicious bank activity

(Gray News) - A woman in New Jersey is accused of poisoning a friend after being confronted about suspicious bank activity.

Rohweniven Bacani, 52, was charged with third-degree aggravated assault after allegedly poisoning the woman’s tea with a benzodiazepine, according to New Jersey authorities.

The two women had arranged to meet at a restaurant in Fort Lee on Sept. 8 to discuss unauthorized activity the alleged victim had discovered in financial accounts to which Bacani had shared access, prosecutors said.

When the woman arrived, Bacani was already there with a cup of tea waiting for her.

The woman allegedly drank some of the tea but stopped after noticing an unusual taste. She collapsed while leaving the restaurant and later regained consciousness in a hospital, with no recollection of how she had gotten there, prosecutors said.

She remained hospitalized for several days.

Following a weeks-long investigation, detectives concluded that Bacani had allegedly added a benzodiazepine to the woman’s tea.

Bacani was charged and arrested outside her home.

She was taken to the Bergen County Jail pending her first court appearance.