A former employee of Highmark Health, one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States, has been charged with multiple criminal offenses after authorities allege he repeatedly contaminated a co-worker’s coffee mug with bodily fluid. The case, which has drawn public attention because of the disturbing nature of the allegations and the workplace setting in which they occurred, highlights serious concerns about employee safety, harassment, and the limits of workplace trust.
According to a criminal complaint filed in December, the accused, Timothy Haver, allegedly targeted a female colleague over a period of time, engaging in anonymous harassment and stalking before escalating to acts that investigators described as indecent and invasive. The investigation began after the victim, also a Highmark Health employee at the time, reported a pattern of anonymous stalking and harassment that she believed was occurring within the workplace.
The complaint states that her concerns were initially centered on unsettling behavior that made her feel unsafe and targeted, though she did not at first know who was responsible. Matters escalated when she discovered what she believed to be bodily fluid in her personal mug on multiple occasions, an incident that not only caused distress but raised fears about her health and safety.
Law enforcement became involved after these reports, eventually taking steps to determine whether the incidents could be documented and traced to a specific individual. With the cooperation of the employer and the victim, police were permitted to install a hidden camera in the woman’s office area. What investigators claim they captured on video would become central to the criminal charges now facing Haver. The complaint alleges that the footage showed him removing the mug from the victim’s desk and returning it later, after which the victim again reported signs that it had been tampered with.
Investigation and Alleged Workplace Harassment
According to the criminal complaint, the victim initially approached authorities after feeling that she was being watched and harassed by someone who was deliberately concealing their identity. Anonymous behavior in workplace settings can be particularly alarming, as it undermines a sense of security and makes it difficult for the targeted individual to take protective measures. In this case, the complaint suggests that the harassment was persistent enough for the employee to seek external help rather than relying solely on internal reporting channels.
The discovery of bodily fluid in her mug marked a significant escalation in the situation. The mug was reportedly kept at her desk and used regularly, making the alleged tampering not only a violation of personal boundaries but also a potential health risk. Each time the mug was returned after being taken, the victim told police that it appeared to have been contaminated. These repeated incidents contributed to a pattern that investigators interpreted as deliberate and targeted conduct rather than an isolated prank or misunderstanding.
Police sought permission to place a hidden camera in the office space to monitor the area where the mug was kept. Such measures are typically used only when there is reason to believe that a serious offense is occurring and that other investigative methods may not be sufficient. The complaint states that the camera allegedly recorded Haver taking the mug from the victim’s desk and returning it later. While the footage itself has not been made public, investigators say it corroborated the victim’s reports and provided grounds for further action.
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During a subsequent interview with police, Haver allegedly admitted to tampering with the mug. According to the complaint, he told investigators that he believed this was his “only way of getting close with her.” This statement, if accurately represented in court filings, has become a focal point of the case, as it suggests a troubling rationale behind the alleged conduct. Prosecutors have characterized the actions not as misguided attempts at communication but as deliberate acts that violated the victim’s bodily autonomy and sense of safety.
Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings
As a result of the investigation, Timothy Haver has been charged with stalking, six counts of indecent assault, and harassment. Each of these charges carries serious legal implications, and together they reflect the breadth of the alleged misconduct. Stalking charges typically involve repeated behavior that causes a person to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress, while indecent assault charges suggest unwanted and offensive conduct of a sexual or intimate nature, even if no physical contact occurs in a conventional sense.
The inclusion of multiple counts of indecent assault indicates that prosecutors believe each instance of alleged contamination constitutes a separate offense. This approach underscores how the justice system views repeated acts of this nature as compounding harm rather than a single incident. Harassment charges further address the ongoing pattern of behavior that reportedly preceded and accompanied the mug tampering.
Court records indicate that Haver was due to appear in court this week, where the charges would be formally addressed and the next steps in the legal process determined. At this stage, it is important to note that criminal complaints outline allegations, not proven facts, and that Haver is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Nevertheless, the seriousness of the charges reflects how authorities are treating the alleged conduct.
Legal experts often note that cases involving bodily fluids can carry additional weight because of the potential health risks involved, even if no illness ultimately results. The act of contaminating food or drink is widely recognized as a severe breach of trust and personal safety, and courts have historically taken such offenses seriously. If convicted, Haver could face penalties that include incarceration, probation, mandatory counseling, and restrictions on future employment, depending on sentencing guidelines and judicial discretion.
Highmark Health’s Response and Broader Implications
Highmark Health has confirmed that Timothy Haver is no longer employed by the company. While the organization has not disclosed detailed information about internal actions taken during the investigation, it acknowledged the situation and emphasized that the individual is no longer part of its workforce. Employers in cases like this often face scrutiny not only for the actions of the accused employee but also for how they respond to complaints and cooperate with law enforcement.
Workplace safety and harassment prevention are particularly sensitive issues in large organizations, especially those in the healthcare and insurance sectors, where trust and professionalism are central to daily operations. Incidents like this can prompt broader conversations about reporting mechanisms, surveillance policies, and the balance between employee privacy and safety. The use of a hidden camera in this case, reportedly approved as part of a police investigation, illustrates how severe allegations can justify extraordinary measures.
For employees, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting concerning behavior early and seeking support when something feels wrong. The victim’s decision to come forward, document her experiences, and work with law enforcement was instrumental in bringing the alleged conduct to light. For employers, it highlights the need for clear policies, prompt responses to complaints, and cooperation with authorities when criminal behavior is suspected.
Beyond the immediate workplace, the case has resonated with the public because of its unsettling nature. The idea that a co-worker could repeatedly tamper with a personal item in such an invasive way challenges assumptions about safety in professional environments. It also raises questions about how obsession, entitlement, and boundary violations can manifest in subtle ways before escalating into criminal acts.
As the legal process moves forward, the case against Timothy Haver will be evaluated based on evidence presented in court, including surveillance footage, witness testimony, and any statements made to police. The outcome will determine not only his legal responsibility but also set an example for how similar cases are treated within the justice system. Regardless of the verdict, the allegations have already prompted reflection on the responsibilities of individuals and organizations alike to maintain safe, respectful workplaces where such conduct is neither tolerated nor ignored.
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