Former Fauci Adviser Pleads Guilty In COVID Records Case
12 hours ago
A former senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci has pleaded guilty to conspiring to conceal federal records related to research into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. David Morens, 78, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Maryland to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government. The felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 12.
Prosecutors accused Morens of using a private email account while working at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to intentionally circumvent federal public records laws. The Justice Department says he concealed or destroyed records involving discussions of COVID-19 research grants, including efforts to revive a controversial coronavirus research grant.
The case followed a House Republican investigation into the origins of the pandemic that scrutinized Morens’ communications and whether federal officials attempted to avoid transparency requirements.
Morens previously denied during congressional testimony that he intentionally used his personal email to evade federal records laws. His attorney said following Tuesday’s plea that Morens has taken responsibility for his actions.
Fauci has not been charged in the case. He invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a congressional hearing in July and recently declined to voluntarily appear before another Senate panel following a Republican-led contempt vote.
Dr. David Morens, 78, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Maryland to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government. The felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 12.
Prosecutors accused Morens of using a private email account while working at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to intentionally circumvent federal public records laws. The Justice Department says he concealed or destroyed records involving discussions of COVID-19 research grants, including efforts to revive a controversial coronavirus research grant.
The case followed a House Republican investigation into the origins of the pandemic that scrutinized Morens’ communications and whether federal officials attempted to avoid transparency requirements.
Morens previously denied during congressional testimony that he intentionally used his personal email to evade federal records laws. His attorney said following Tuesday’s plea that Morens has taken responsibility for his actions.
Fauci has not been charged in the case. He invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a congressional hearing in July and recently declined to voluntarily appear before another Senate panel following a Republican-led contempt vote.
