DOJ Drops Charges Against Utah Doctor Accused of COVID-19 Vaccine Fraud

The U.S. Department of Justice, directed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has dropped all charges against Utah plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Kirk Moore Jr., his business, and an associate, who were accused of destroying COVID-19 vaccines and issuing fake vaccination cards. Bondi stated that Dr. Moore gave his patients a choice when the federal government did not, and that he did not deserve the prison time he was facing. The case had attracted significant attention from Republican leaders including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Sen. Mike Lee, both of whom advocated for the charges to be dropped, viewing Moore as a victim of government overreach. Prosecutors had alleged that Moore and his associates destroyed over $28,000 worth of vaccines, administered saline shots to minors, and distributed nearly 2,000 fraudulent vaccine cards in exchange for money. The decision to dismiss charges was seen by Moore's attorneys as just and reflective of the evidence, emphasizing their clients' innocence and respect for patients' personal medical choices. The case has been a focal point for critics of COVID-19 mandates and vaccine policies within the GOP base.