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Associated Press
Monday, May 12, 2003; Page A08

STUART, Fla., May 11 -- A woman was arrested for dousing herself with perfume, spraying the house with bug killer and disinfectant, and burning scented candles in an attempt to injure her chemically sensitive husband, prosecutors said.

Police charged Lynda Taylor, 36, with aggravated battery Thursday.

David Taylor, 46, is disabled by allergies stemming from exposure to toxic mold and hazardous chemicals as a construction worker, his doctor said. That exposure netted him $150,000 in a recent workers' compensation settlement.

David Taylor said the assault occurred on April 4 when the couple discussed separating after three years of marriage. He said his wife became enraged when he refused to give her half of his settlement.

"Lynda came in the kitchen wearing perfume and applied some to [her daughter]. Then went around the house spraying Lysol and even sprayed some in my face," David Taylor wrote in his complaint.

His physician provided investigators with a letter confirming that Taylor suffers from extreme chemical sensitivity, "including all fragrances, air fresheners and other volatile chemicals," and that his wife was aware of his condition.

Lynda Taylor's attorney, Karen Steger, said the charge is a misuse of the criminal justice system. "The guy's a faker," she said. "He just wants to gain an advantage in the divorce case."