A Florida woman, identified as Samantha Adams, 39, is facing attempted murder charges for allegedly drugging men she met on dating applications with the intention of stealing their money.
Polk County Sheriff's Office announced the charges on August 27, after a 69-year-old man reported being hospitalized following an incident at his Haines City home. The victim told investigators that Adams, whom he met on a dating app under the name "Nala," allegedly spiked his drink with Benzodiazepine. He was later admitted to the hospital for an "unexpected medical incident" where medical staff confirmed a Benzo overdose. The victim stated he does not possess any Benzodiazepine medication.
Investigators believe Adams may have targeted other men in Florida. The victim reported several prior suspicious incidents while consuming alcohol with Adams at her Orange County residence. These included becoming unsteady and falling after taking a shot, passing out in his vehicle, and feeling groggy after leaving her residence. He noted that during these occasions, he had consumed only a small amount of alcohol.
The sheriff's office also found evidence that someone had tampered with the victim's home security system. The victim had previously observed Adams in the vicinity of his home where the surveillance equipment was located.
During an argument about a vehicle the victim had purchased for Adams, she reportedly went into the kitchen with her purse and returned with two glasses of whiskey. After the victim consumed one of the glasses, their interaction progressed romantically. According to arrest documents, the situation escalated before Adams abruptly stopped and demanded $1,000 for the encounter to continue. The victim refused and subsequently left Adams' home, later passing out and being transported to the hospital.
When Adams was arrested at a shopping center in Davenport, Florida, she was found with a bottle containing various prescription medications. These included Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen, oxycodone hydrochloride, Sertraline, Adderall, and Alprazolam/Xanax, prescribed to someone else. Her charges include second-degree attempted murder, tampering with evidence, offering to commit prostitution, and possession of prescription drugs.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd referred to Adams as the "Black Widow," stating her motivation is money and that she is willing to go to extreme lengths, including attempted murder, to obtain it. Investigators urge anyone who may have met Adams online to be cautious.