Charges dropped against Utah doctor accused of throwing away $28,000 in COVID vaccine doses
U.S. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi said in a post on the social media platform X that charges against Dr. Michael Kirk Moore, of Midvale, Utah, were dismissed at her direction.
Moore and other defendants faced up to 35 years in prison after being charged with conspiracy to defraud the government; conspiracy to convert, sell, convey and dispose of government property; and aiding and abetting in those efforts. The charges were brought when Joe Biden was president.
'Dr. Moore gave his patients a choice when the federal government refused to do so,' Bondi wrote. 'He did not deserve the years in prison he was facing. It ends today.'
Felice John Viti, acting U.S. attorney for Utah, filed the motion Saturday, saying 'such dismissal is in the interests of justice.'
The trial began Monday in Salt Lake City with jury selection.
Messages sent to the U.S. Department of Justice, Viti's office in Salt Lake City and to Moore were not immediately returned.
A federal grand jury on Jan. 11, 2023, returned an indictment against Moore, his Plastic Surgery Institute of Utah Inc., others associated with the clinic and a neighbor of Moore's. The indictment alleged more than $28,000 of government-provided COVID-19 vaccine doses were destroyed.
They were also accused of providing fraudulently completed vaccination record cards for over 1,900 doses of the vaccine in exchange for either cash or a donation to a specified charitable organization.
The government also alleged some children were given saline shots, at their parents' request, so the minors believed they were getting the vaccine.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading anti-vaccine activist before becoming the nation's top health official, posted his support for Moore in April, saying on X that Moore 'deserves a medal for his courage and his commitment to healing!'
During his confirmation hearings in January, Kennedy repeatedly refused to acknowledge scientific consensus that childhood vaccines don't cause autism and that COVID-19 vaccines saved millions of lives.
Thiessen writes for the Associated Press.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
RFK Jr. fires 2 top aides at HHS in staff shakeup
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired two of his top aides. The biographies of Heather Flick Melanson, his chief of staff, and Hannah Anderson, deputy chief of staff of policy, are no longer pictured on the department's leadership page. "Secretary Kennedy has made a leadership change within the Immediate Office of the Secretary," an Hhs spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Effective immediately, Matt Buckham will serve as Acting Chief of Staff." "Mr. Buckham currently serves as the Kennedy's White House liaison at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he oversees the recruitment and onboarding of political appointees across the agency. He brings valuable experience in personnel strategy and organizational management to this new role," the spokesperson added. Biden-appointed Judge Halts Trump Hhs Overhaul After Democrat-led Lawsuit "Secretary Kennedy thanks the outgoing leadership for their service and looks forward to working closely with Mr. Buckham as the Department continues advancing its mission to Make America Healthy Again," the spokesperson also said. Read On The Fox News App Melanson is a lawyer who previously served in multiple top roles at HHS during the first Trump administration. Medical Groups Urge Kennedy, Fda To Reexamine Broad Approval Of Abortion Drugs She previously was HHS' acting general counsel before becoming its acting secretary for administration and then eventually a senior adviser to then-HHS Secretary Alex Azar. Prior to joining HHS for the first time, Flick was an attorney at Dhillon Law Group, a firm founded by Harmeet Dhillon, who Trump has tapped this time around to be his assistant attorney general. "Heather Flick is outstanding and will most definitely help soon to be Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.," former Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynn said in a post on X after news of Flick's new role. Fox News Digital's Alec Schemmel contributed to this report. Original article source: RFK Jr. fires 2 top aides at HHS in staff shakeup
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Dr. Jennifer Ashton and Dr. Joseph Woo join American Heart Association Board of Directors
(NewMediaWire) - July 16, 2025 - DALLAS The American Heart Association, the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announces the appointment of two leading health and science leaders, Jennifer Ashton, M.D., M.S. and Joseph Woo, M.D., FAHA, to its volunteer Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Ashton and Dr. Woo bring clinical leadership, health media influence and scientific innovation to the Association as it enters its second century, intensifying its efforts to change the future of health and improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health outcomes, which continue to be leading causes of death in the United States. Double board-certified in Ob-Gyn and obesity medicine, Dr. Jennifer Ashton is a nationally recognized women's health advocate known for communicating complex medical topics in an accessible way. As ABC News' Chief Medical Correspondent, she became a nationally trusted voice during major public health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. A Columbia duPont and Emmy Award-winning journalist, a bestselling author and champion of preventive health and mental wellness, Dr. Ashton has volunteered with the American Heart Association for more than a decade, frequently speaking at local Go Red for Women(R) events. She has received numerous honors from the Association, including the 2024 Heart Saver Hero Award, the 2023 "Woman Changing the World Award" and the Go Red for Women Award in 2018. These accolades reflect her tireless advocacy for women's cardiovascular health and her leadership in advancing the Association's mission through education and action. "As the obesity and maternal mortality epidemics are two of the most pressing issues affecting women in the U.S., and since both have cardiovascular associations, I hope that my experience and expertise in these fields can assist the American Heart Association's efforts," Ashton said. "And, as the daughter of a cardiologist, I am honored to be the first OB-GYN appointed to the Board in the history of the Association." As a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiovascular surgeon and transplant surgeon, Dr. Joseph Woo is a nationally recognized leader and educator in cardiac surgery innovation. He is professor and chair of the Stanford Medicine Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, associate director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and the Norman E. Shumway Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery. He has pioneered advanced surgical research on multiple studies and clinical trials, including numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant projects, as well as American Heart Association grants to study ways to treat heart failure through cellular repair. In 2021, he received the Association's Clinical Research Prize for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive heart valve repair. Earlier in his career, he received the Vivien Thomas Young Investigator Award (1997) for postdoctoral research on molecular strategies to reduce myocardial ischemic injury. Dr. Woo holds patents for several heart-related medical devices and surgical techniques and has co-authored over 490 peer-reviewed papers. Beyond his research, he is deeply committed to mentorship, global collaboration and advancing medical education in cardiovascular health. "As a physician-scientist, I have been a daily witness to the tragedy of cardiovascular disease on human life, and also to the triumph of improving health and saving lives through scientific discovery," Woo said. "The American Heart Association is a global leader in supporting vital research and establishing the best evidenced-based approaches to cardiovascular health and treatment grounded in basic science, engineering, translational and clinical investigation. I look forward to continuing to support the Association as we continue our bold endeavors toward a healthier world for all." "We are honored to welcome Dr. Jen Ashton and Dr. Joe Woo to our Board of Directors," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "Dr. Ashton's national media profile, influence and dedication to preventive health, alongside Dr. Woo's groundbreaking work in cardiovascular surgery and academic leadership, uniquely position them to help us change the future of health and drive forward our mission. Their perspectives will be instrumental as we continue our work to bring health and hope to everyone, everywhere." These appointments reflect the American Heart Association's continued commitment to science-based solutions, community-centered approaches and bold leadership in the fight against heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association's Board of Directors is the organization's top volunteer governing body, working closely with CEO Nancy Brown to provide strategic oversight and financial stewardship to advance the organization's mission of longer, healthier lives for all. Board members also serve as ambassadors, leveraging their individual professional expertise and networks of influence to further extend, accelerate and elevate the Association's visibility, impact and collaborations. Additional Resources Multimedia is available on the right column of release link. Learn more about the American Heart Association's 2025-26 volunteer and staff leadership. Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Suzanne Grant: For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
3 hours ago
- Associated Press
Dr. Jennifer Ashton and Dr. Joseph Woo join American Heart Association Board of Directors
( NewMediaWire ) - July 16, 2025 - DALLAS — The American Heart Association, the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announces the appointment of two leading health and science leaders, Jennifer Ashton, M.D., M.S. and Joseph Woo, M.D., FAHA, to its volunteer Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Ashton and Dr. Woo bring clinical leadership, health media influence and scientific innovation to the Association as it enters its second century, intensifying its efforts to change the future of health and improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health outcomes, which continue to be leading causes of death in the United States. Double board-certified in Ob-Gyn and obesity medicine, Dr. Jennifer Ashton is a nationally recognized women's health advocate known for communicating complex medical topics in an accessible way. As ABC News' Chief Medical Correspondent, she became a nationally trusted voice during major public health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. A Columbia duPont and Emmy Award-winning journalist, a bestselling author and champion of preventive health and mental wellness, Dr. Ashton has volunteered with the American Heart Association for more than a decade, frequently speaking at local Go Red for Women(R) events. She has received numerous honors from the Association, including the 2024 Heart Saver Hero Award, the 2023 ' Woman Changing the World Award ' and the Go Red for Women Award in 2018. These accolades reflect her tireless advocacy for women's cardiovascular health and her leadership in advancing the Association's mission through education and action. 'As the obesity and maternal mortality epidemics are two of the most pressing issues affecting women in the U.S., and since both have cardiovascular associations, I hope that my experience and expertise in these fields can assist the American Heart Association's efforts,' Ashton said. 'And, as the daughter of a cardiologist, I am honored to be the first OB-GYN appointed to the Board in the history of the Association.' As a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiovascular surgeon and transplant surgeon, Dr. Joseph Woo is a nationally recognized leader and educator in cardiac surgery innovation. He is professor and chair of the Stanford Medicine Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, associate director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and the Norman E. Shumway Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery. He has pioneered advanced surgical research on multiple studies and clinical trials, including numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant projects, as well as American Heart Association grants to study ways to treat heart failure through cellular repair. In 2021, he received the Association's Clinical Research Prize for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive heart valve repair. Earlier in his career, he received the Vivien Thomas Young Investigator Award (1997) for postdoctoral research on molecular strategies to reduce myocardial ischemic injury. Dr. Woo holds patents for several heart-related medical devices and surgical techniques and has co-authored over 490 peer-reviewed papers. Beyond his research, he is deeply committed to mentorship, global collaboration and advancing medical education in cardiovascular health. 'As a physician-scientist, I have been a daily witness to the tragedy of cardiovascular disease on human life, and also to the triumph of improving health and saving lives through scientific discovery,' Woo said. 'The American Heart Association is a global leader in supporting vital research and establishing the best evidenced-based approaches to cardiovascular health and treatment grounded in basic science, engineering, translational and clinical investigation. I look forward to continuing to support the Association as we continue our bold endeavors toward a healthier world for all.' 'We are honored to welcome Dr. Jen Ashton and Dr. Joe Woo to our Board of Directors,' said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. 'Dr. Ashton's national media profile, influence and dedication to preventive health, alongside Dr. Woo's groundbreaking work in cardiovascular surgery and academic leadership, uniquely position them to help us change the future of health and drive forward our mission. Their perspectives will be instrumental as we continue our work to bring health and hope to everyone, everywhere.' These appointments reflect the American Heart Association's continued commitment to science-based solutions, community-centered approaches and bold leadership in the fight against heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association's Board of Directors is the organization's top volunteer governing body, working closely with CEO Nancy Brown to provide strategic oversight and financial stewardship to advance the organization's mission of longer, healthier lives for all. Board members also serve as ambassadors, leveraging their individual professional expertise and networks of influence to further extend, accelerate and elevate the Association's visibility, impact and collaborations. Additional Resources ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Suzanne Grant: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
