Utah Plastic Surgeon, Associates Indicted in Alleged Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Scheme
A federal grand jury has indicted a Utah plastic surgeon and three associates on charges related to a scheme to defraud the United States by providing fake COVID-19 vaccine cards and administering saline shots in lieu of actual vaccinations. The case highlights ongoing concerns about vaccine hesitancy and the potential for fraudulent activity during the pandemic.
Supporters of Dr. Michael Kirk Moore Jr. gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City to demonstrate their backing, even as he faces serious federal charges. The indictment, filed in January 2023, also names Moore’s medical practice, the Plastic Surgery Institute of Utah, along with Kari Dee Burgoyne, 52, Kristin Jackson Andersen, 59, and Sandra Flores, 31.
Allegations of Fraud and Vaccine Waste
Prosecutors allege the group conspired to defraud both the United States and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The scheme reportedly involved the destruction of approximately $28,000 worth of government-supplied COVID-19 vaccines and the distribution of nearly 2,000 counterfeit CDC vaccination cards. According to court documents, in some instances, parents requested their children receive saline injections instead of the vaccine. These cards were then exchanged for either cash payments or “donations” to a designated charitable organization.
“By allegedly falsifying vaccine cards and administering saline shots to children, this provider not only endangered the health and well-being of a vulnerable population but also undermined public trust,” stated Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Chris Miller, Acting Special Agent in Charge with Homeland Security Investigations in Las Vegas, emphasized the deceptive nature of the actions, noting they created a “false sense of security and deceived the public during a critical time.”
Charges and Potential Penalties
Moore and the other defendants are facing charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to convert and sell government property, and aiding and abetting the unlawful disposal of government supplies. Their initial court appearance was scheduled for January 26, 2023.
Supporters Cite Distrust of Vaccine
Despite the severity of the charges, supporters of Dr. Moore maintain his intentions were to assist individuals who harbored doubts about the vaccine or its reported side effects. “A lot of people felt it wasn’t safe, there wasn’t the research,” explained Jason Preston, who attended the rally. “Dr. Moore was helping people get vaccine cards so they could go to work.”
This sentiment underscores the persistent challenges surrounding vaccine acceptance and the complex motivations driving individuals to seek alternative means of fulfilling vaccine requirements. The case raises critical questions about public health, individual liberties, and the consequences of undermining trust in medical institutions.
