Ex-Lover Indicted Over Poisoned Douche Bottles

A San Diego man was indicted Friday by a federal grand jury for allegedly trying to avenge a failed romance by mailing four douche bottles laced with silver nitrate to his former girlfriend.

Steven L. James, 44, was ordered held without bond by U.S. Magistrate Barry Moskowitz. He faces a possible sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. He was charged with one felony count of sending a poisonous substance through the U.S. mail.

The intended victim was identified as Karen Bryz of Santee by defense attorney Doug Brown. Brown argued unsuccessfully for James’ release on bond after Assistant U.S. Atty. Gregory Vega acknowledged that the amount of silver nitrate James allegedly added to the liquid was not enough to kill Bryz.

The bizarre case took another turn when it was revealed in court that James was arrested after an informant identified as Greg McCullum had taped a conversation with James. It was also brought out in court that McCullum, also know as Gino McCullum, is a former San Diego police officer and is now dating Bryz, who is married.

According to accounts given in court, James had an affair with Bryz for about eight months before she ended the relationship. The breakup led to a fight between the two, and James had to seek medical treatment for a scratched eye.

Moskowitz said the transcript of the taped conversation between James and McCullum showed that McCullum encouraged James to seek revenge on Bryz. According to portions of the transcript that were read in court, James vowed to “pay back” Bryz.

James allegedly devised a plan to mail the poisoned douche to Bryz, but McCullum alerted Bryz and San Diego police, who notified U.S. Postal Service inspectors. McCullum taped the conversation on March 8, and James allegedly mailed the package three days later. The package was intercepted before it got to Bryz. James was arrested Wednesday.

Brown, the defense attorney, labeled the incident a “lovers’ quarrel” and “a prank.” He argued that James was also a victim because Bryz still has a key to his home and has been calling his parents and employer, allegedly harassing them.

However, Moskowitz said the incident is a serious matter and expressed concern that James might hurt himself or Bryz if released.

Moskowitz ordered James to undergo psychiatric counseling at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, where he is being held, before Moskowitz makes a decision on whether he should be released on bond.