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The suspect is accused of attempting to damage more than 500 doses.
The Wisconsin pharmacist accused of attempting to destroy more than 500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine has been charged with a felony as the investigation continues, authorities said.
Prosecutors also said at a hearing in Ozaukee County Court on Tuesday that Stephen Brandenburg’s alleged efforts, including the removal of 57 vials of Moderna vaccine from refrigerated storage on or around December 24, did not had perhaps failed to render them unusable.
Brandenburg, 46, confessed to authorities that he had “intentionally withdrawn” the vials of the vaccine on two occasions “in an attempt to allow the vaccine to be outside the temperature range so that it would not be effective. “, According to the criminal complaint.
The Moderna vaccine should be refrigerated at temperatures between 36 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit or risk losing effectiveness, according to the company.
According to the police, Brandenburg was “a recognized conspiracy theorist”. The criminal complaint alleges that he tried to spoil the vaccines “because everything he researched had led him to believe that the vaccine was dangerous for people and damaged their DNA”.
There is absolutely no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines affect a person’s DNA. Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use mRNA technology that introduces a small part of the virus’s genetic code to teach the body how to fight the real virus, without in any way changing a person’s DNA, according to Gavi , the Vaccine Alliance.
Brandenburg’s attorney has pleaded not guilty to his client’s misdemeanor charge of attempted property damage felony. The lawyer did not immediately return ABC News’ requests for comment.
If convicted, Brandenburg, who was released on bail Jan. 4, could see up to nine months in jail and a fine of up to $ 10,000. His next court date is March 18.
The severity of any punishment for Brandenburg could depend on the number of doses of vaccine actually rendered unusable.
Fifty-seven of the compromised doses had been given when they were found to be ineffective, Aurora Health Care medical group president Dr Jeff Bahr told a news conference last month. The recipients of these doses have been informed.
After initial reports that the remaining vials of potentially ruined vaccine had been destroyed, prosecutors clarified that those vials had been sequestered for further testing.
Ozaukee County District Attorney Adam Gerol had to postpone Brandenburg’s arraignment after lab experts said they needed more time. Gerol said Tuesday that Moderna is still testing, but “the best evidence at this point is that the vaccine remains viable.”
“If anything happens, there is a possibility that the charges will change,” Gerol said at the hearing. “I hope to know something in the next few weeks.”
Each of the 57 vials, which contain 10 doses of the vaccine, is valued at $ 11,000, police said.
The Wisconsin Pharmacy Board voted last week to suspend Brandenburg’s license pending the outcome of its criminal case and the board’s disciplinary process. He became a licensed pharmacist in 1997.
Brandenburg handed over four guns to law enforcement officials and was ordered not to work in any capacity as a pharmacist as part of his release deal. He was also ordered not to leave the state without court approval.
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