A Texas doctor has been charged with stealing nine doses of the coveted COVID-19 vaccine while working at a county vaccination site, prosecutors said Thursday.
Dr. Hasan Gokal, who worked with the Harris County public health system, is accused of stealing a vial containing doses from a Humble vaccination site on Dec. 29, Harris District Attorney Kim Ogg said in a statement. a statement.
One week later, Gokal boasted of the theft of a co-worker, who then complained to his supervisors, Ogg said.
Gokal was later fired.
Ogg said Gokal stole the doses to give to family and friends, leaving those who need it most without a shot without one.
“He abused his position to put his friends and family in line with people who went through the legal process to be there,” Ogg said of Gokal. “What he did was illegal and he will be held accountable according to the law.”
Lawyer Paul Doyle defended his client, arguing that the vaccine had expired anyway.
“Dr. Gokal is a dedicated public official who made sure that doses of COVID-19 vaccine that would otherwise have expired entered the arms of people who met the criteria for receiving it, ”Doyle said in a statement to KHOU11.
“Harris County would have preferred Dr. Gokal to let the vaccines be lost and is trying to disregard this man’s reputation in the process of supporting this policy. We are looking forward to our day in court to correct this mistake “, the lawyer continued.
Gokal faces up to a year in prison and a $ 4,000 fine.