HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A doctor has been fired and is now facing a criminal charge after being accused of stealing the COVID-19 vaccine to give to his family and friends.
O Dallas Morning News reports Hasan Kassim Gokal, 48, is accused of theft by a public official.
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According to the Harris County district attorney, Gokal stole a bottle containing nine doses of the coronavirus vaccine while working at a vaccination site in December.
An investigation by Harris County public health officials, where Gokal worked, led to the doctor’s dismissal.
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“He abused his position to put his friends and family in front of people who had gone through the legal process to be there,” said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. “What he did was illegal and he will be held responsible. By the law.”
Gokal’s lawyer said his client just took the bottle to make sure none of the doses were missed.