A bar owner in California was arrested after being accused of making and selling fake vaccination cards against COVID-19 and ABC News.
Todd Anderson, 59, owner of the Old Corner Saloon in Clements, was arrested Wednesday by the California Department of Alcohol Control and charged with falsifying a medical history, falsifying an official government stamp and several felony counts of theft. identity.
“It is discouraging for members of our community to show a blatant disregard for public health in the midst of a pandemic,” said Tori Verber Salazar, San Joaquin County District Attorney. in a statement.
“Distributing, counterfeiting or buying fake COVID-19 vaccine cards is against the law and endangers yourself and those around you,” he said.
The California agency received advice that Anderson was making and selling cards at his bar and began a covert investigation. Officers bought cards at the bar on “several occasions” in April, the department said.
The agency found that Anderson was selling cards for $ 20 a piece. He sold at least eight cards before undercover agents closed the operation, ABC News reported. Under a search warrant, officers confiscated a laminating machine and 30 blank cards, as well as a loaded, unregistered firearm, which is a felony.
The agency will file disciplinary action against the company, which could include the suspension or revocation of the bar’s alcohol license. Investigators are also seeking a criminal complaint against one of Anderson’s employees, who may have been involved in the operation.
In March, the FBI issued a warning about possible fraudulent vaccination cards, which have been announced on social media and e-commerce platforms this year.
“If you haven’t received the vaccine, don’t buy fake vaccine cards, don’t make your own vaccine cards, and don’t fill out blank vaccination registration cards with fake information,” the FBI wrote.
Those who manufacture or use fake vaccine cards may be charged with falsifying a medical record or unauthorized use of an official stamp of government agencies, such as the CDC logo.
“By counterfeiting as a vaccine when entering schools, public transport, workplaces, gyms or places of worship, you run the risk of contracting COVID-19 to yourself and the people around you.” , the agency said.
Sources
ABC News: “California bar owner was fired for making fake vaccination cards: investigators.”
California Department of Alcohol Control: “ABC makes an arrest in a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination card case.”
FBI: “If you make or buy a fake COVID-19 immunization record card, you endanger yourself and those around you and break the law.”
