The suspect is accused of trying to damage more than 500 doses.
Authorities said the Wisconsin pharmacist, who is accused of trying to destroy more than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, has been charged with misconduct while the investigation continues.
Prosecutors also said during a hearing in Ozaukee County Court on Tuesday that Stephen Brandenburg’s alleged attempts, including the removal of 57 vials of Moderna vaccine from refrigerated storage on Dec. 24, may have failed to make it unusable.
Brandenburg, 46, confessed to authorities that he had “deliberately removed” the vaccine bottles on two separate occasions, with the aim of allowing the vaccine to be out of range so that it would not be effective, according to the criminal complaint. .
According to the company, the Moderna vaccine should be kept in the refrigerator at temperatures between 36 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to police, Brandenburg was an ‘admitted conspiracy theorist’. The criminal charge alleges that he tried to spoil the vaccines “because everything he researched led him to believe that the vaccine was unsafe for humans and changed their DNA.”
There is absolutely no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines affect a person’s DNA. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use mRNA technology that introduces a small portion of the virus’ genetic code to teach the body how to ward off the real virus without altering a person’s DNA in any way according to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Brandenburg’s lawyer has pleaded not guilty to the charge of the criminal charge of attempted criminal property damage. The lawyer did not immediately return requests for comment from ABC News.
If convicted, Brandenburg, who was released on January 4, could face up to nine months in prison and a fine of up to $ 10,000. His next court date is March 18.
The severity of any punishment for Brandenburg may depend on how many doses of vaccination are actually useless.
Fifty-seven of the doses that were compromised were administered by the time they were ineffective, Dr. Jeff Bahr, president of Aurora Health Care Medical Group, said at a news conference last month. The recipients of the doses were notified.
After initial reports that the remaining vials had been destroyed with potentially ruined vaccine, prosecutors explained that the vials were sequestrated for further testing.
Adam Gerol, Ozaukee County District Attorney, had to postpone Brandenburg’s charge after lab experts said they needed more time. Gerol said on Tuesday that Moderna is still doing tests, but “the best evidence at this stage is that the vaccine is viable.”
“If anything comes up, there is a possibility that the charges could change,” Gerol said during the trial. “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, according to police.
The Wisconsin Pharmacy Council voted last week to suspend Brandenburg’s license pending the outcome of its criminal case and the council’s disciplinary process. He became a licensed pharmacist in 1997.
Brandenburg handed over four firearms to law enforcement officers and was ordered not to work as a pharmacist in any capacity as part of his release agreement. He was also ordered not to leave the state without the approval of the court.