A disgruntled employee secretly adds a toxic substance to medication. What charge could they face?

The charge that a disgruntled employee could face for secretly adding a toxic substance to medication is likely to be classified as a felony of the first degree. This classification is justified because the act poses a significant threat to public safety and involves malicious intent to harm others through tampering with medication, which is a serious crime. This type of offense typically involves factors such as the potential for serious bodily injury or even death, particularly given that medications are meant to treat individuals, and introducing a toxic substance can lead to severe consequences for many people.

In many jurisdictions, offenses that involve poisoning or the intentional adulteration of products meant for human consumption, especially those that are associated with health care, are treated with the utmost severity. The law recognizes the potential catastrophic consequences of such actions, leading to the most severe charges available, which is a felony of the first degree. The underlying principle is to deter such dangerous behavior and protect public health and safety.

The other options for lesser charges do not adequately reflect the gravity of the offense, as they would not convey the seriousness of intentionally harming individuals through dangerous actions.