Wisconsin man accused of sabotaging the COVID-19 vaccine has been charged
Steven Brandenburg is charged with attempted criminal damage in Ozaukee County for sabotaging 500+ doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
GRAFTON, Wis. – A former Aurora pharmacist is now charged with alleged sabotage of 500+ doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Steven Brandenburg, 46, appeared in Ozaukee County Court on Tuesday, Jan. 19, now charged with attempted criminal misconduct, a misdemeanor.
Brandenburg is accused of deliberately removing hundreds of doses of the Moderna vaccine from the refrigerator in December 2020 at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. According to court documents, Brandenburg did this out of the belief that it was unsafe and that it would change the person’s DNA.
Brandenburg and his attorney, Jason Baltz, arrived at the Ozaukee County Justice Center Tuesday afternoon.
“We knew there was another vaccine to test. I think we are working from the assumption that the vaccine was damaged in this case. The best evidence at this stage is that the vaccine remains viable,” said Adam Gerol. , district attorney in Ozaukee County, said.
Once again, Brandenburg is charged with misconduct in criminal property damage. But Gerol said the remaining vials are being sent to Moderna for further testing – and the cost could change.
“The court will also advise that federal agencies continue to investigate this case,” Gerol said.
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A judge held the trial for mid-March. Brandenburg remains out of context.
Aurora Medical Center in Grafton
Brandenburg was fired from Aurora early in this investigation. Last week, the Wisconsin Pharmacy Council unanimously voted to suspend Brandenburg’s pharmacy license, pending the outcome of this case.
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