January 22nd – On December 29, 2020, a doctor in Harris County, Texas, stole a bottle containing nine doses of coronavirus vaccine to his family and friends while working at a coronavirus vaccination site.
Afterwards, the doctor’s lawyer argued that he took the vaccine to “in case the vaccine expired and could not be used”.
According to a report on Houston KTRK TV on the 21st, the public health doctor named Hassan Gokar stole the vaccine at a vaccination site in the county.
A week after the incident, Gocar told a colleague in the county’s public health department, who immediately reported it to his superiors, and Gocar was later fired.
Public health officials in Harris County said improper handling of vaccines could reduce the county’s government funding.
After the investigation, District Attorney Kim Ogg said that it was illegal for Gokar to abuse his power to put his family and friends before those who went through legal procedures to vaccinated, and he would be held legally responsible.
Paul Doyle, Gocar’s lawyer, defended: “Gocar is a dedicated civil servant who takes the vaccine to avoid expiry and make the best use of everything.”
Currently, Gocar has been sued by the public anti-corruption department of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
He is charged with theft, a category A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of $4,000
