Wisconsin man accused of sabotaging the COVID-19 vaccine accused
Steven Brandenburg was charged with attempted criminal damage to property in Ozaukee County for allegedly sabotaging more than 500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
GRAFTON, Wis. – A former pharmacist Aurora is now accused of connection with the alleged sabotage of more than 500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Steven Brandenburg, 46, appeared in the Ozaukee County court on Tuesday, January 19 – now accused of attempting to damage property, a misdemeanor.
Brandenburg is accused of intentionally removing hundreds of doses of the Modern vaccine from refrigeration in December 2020 at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. According to court records, Brandenburg did this believing it was unsafe – and would alter a person’s DNA.
Brandenburg and his lawyer, Jason Baltz, arrived at the Ozaukee County Justice Center on Tuesday afternoon.
“We were aware that there was still a vaccine to test. I think we were assuming that the vaccine problem, in this case, had been damaged. The best evidence at this point is that the vaccine remains viable.” said Adam Gerol, district attorney for Ozaukee County.
Again, Brandenburg is accused of misdemeanor, attempted criminal damage to property. But Gerol said the remaining bottles are being sent to Moderna for further testing – and the charges could change.
“I would also advise the court that federal agencies would continue to investigate this matter,” said Gerol.
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A judge scheduled a hearing for mid-March. Brandenburg remains free on bail.
Aurora Medical Center in Grafton
Brandenburg was fired from Aurora at the beginning of this investigation. Last week, the Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board voted unanimously to suspend the Brandenburg pharmacy license, pending the outcome of this case.
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