University Worker Accused of Poisoning Colleague's Belongings Amid Promotion Dispute

Authorities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are investigating an incident where laboratory chemicals were reportedly placed in a colleague's personal items. Police were alerted to a peculiar odor emanating from items within an office space on the university's campus.

Upon examination, the items in question were found to contain a chemical substance, prompting further investigation. Shortly thereafter, Makoto Kuroda, a 41-year-old employee at the UW-Madison's Influenza Research Institute, allegedly confessed to the act via text message to a coworker. Reports indicate he texted, "I did it. I have also informed the person himself."

Kuroda was subsequently taken into custody. He reportedly admitted to police that his actions were motivated by the victim's recent promotion, a position he himself had desired. Beyond the promotion, Kuroda also allegedly voiced grievances regarding the victim's workplace practices, such as not wearing a lab coat or safety goggles.

During questioning, Kuroda detailed the substances he allegedly used. He claimed to have mixed 0.5 milliliters of 4% paraformaldehyde into the victim's water bottle. Additionally, he stated that he poured 1.5 milliliters of Trizol and 1.5 milliliters of 4% paraformaldehyde into each of the victim's shoes. He also reportedly noted that a larger quantity, approximately 10 milliliters of paraformaldehyde, could be lethal if ingested.

As a result of the alleged incident, Kuroda has been prohibited from entering all campus laboratories. He faces charges of second-degree reckless endangering safety.