The federal government has dismissed charges against Dr. Michael Kirk Moore, a plastic surgeon from Midvale, Utah, accused of destroying over $28,000 worth of Covid-19 vaccines. Instead of administering the vaccines, he allegedly provided children with saline shots and issued fraudulent vaccination cards. The announcement was made on social media by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Saturday, stating the charges were dropped at her direction.
Dr. Moore faced serious allegations, including conspiracy to defraud the government and aiding in the illegal disposal of government property. If convicted, he could have faced up to 35 years in prison. The indictment against him, his clinic, and others associated with it was filed by federal prosecutors on January 11, 2023. The trial was set to commence with jury selection in Salt Lake City on Monday and was expected to last 15 days.
In her statement, Bondi expressed that Dr. Moore had provided his patients with options when the federal government did not, and she believed he did not deserve the punishment he was facing. She remarked, “It ends today,” as she announced the dismissal of charges. Acting U.S. Attorney for Utah, Felice John Viti, supported this decision, stating that the dismissal was “in the interests of justice.”
The allegations against Dr. Moore included the destruction of Covid-19 vaccine doses provided by the government and the issuance of over 1,900 fraudulently completed vaccination record cards in exchange for cash or donations to a charitable organization. Reports indicated that some parents requested saline shots for their children, leading them to believe they were receiving the vaccine.
Support for Dr. Moore has come from various sources, including Robert Kennedy Jr., who, before becoming the nation’s health secretary, was a prominent anti-vaccine activist. In a post on social media platform X, Kennedy commended Moore for his actions, stating he “deserves a medal for his courage and his commitment to healing.”
The dismissal of charges has also drawn attention from political figures, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican representative from Georgia, who brought the case to Bondi’s attention. As the situation develops, it raises questions about the future implications for healthcare practices and vaccine administration in the United States.
As of now, messages sent to the U.S. Department of Justice and Dr. Moore’s office have not received a response. The case continues to spark debate regarding vaccine distribution policies and the accountability of healthcare providers.
