Additional Coverage:
- DOJ drops charges against Utah doctor accused of throwing away COVID vaccines, distributing fake vaccination cards (thehill.com)
Salt Lake City Doctor Cleared of COVID-19 Fraud Charges
In a surprising turn of events, charges against Utah physician Michael Kirk Moore Jr. have been dropped. Dr.
Moore, along with three associates, was indicted in January 2023 on charges related to discarding COVID-19 vaccines and issuing fake vaccination cards. The indictment also alleged that, at the request of parents, Dr.
Moore administered saline shots to children who believed they were receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
The trial, which began a week ago in Salt Lake City, came to an abrupt halt on Saturday when Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Department of Justice’s decision to dismiss all charges. Bondi stated on social media that Dr. Moore “gave his patients a choice when the federal government refused to do so,” and did not deserve to face prison time.
The case had drawn considerable attention, particularly from Republicans critical of the Biden administration’s handling of the pandemic. The dismissal comes as Bondi faces scrutiny from some within President Trump’s base regarding her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. A recent DOJ memo concluded there was no secret client list used for blackmail and no evidence of foul play in Epstein’s death, contradicting popular conspiracy theories.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has been vocal in her support of Dr.
Moore, praised Bondi’s decision, calling the doctor a “hero” and thanking Bondi for her “swift” action. Bondi acknowledged Greene’s role, crediting the congresswoman with bringing the case to her attention.
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) was also thanked by Bondi for his advocacy on the issue.