By Staff Writer
A longtime adviser to Anthony Fauci has been indicted on multiple federal charges related to the handling of government records during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
David
M. Morens, 78, a former senior official at the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is charged with conspiracy against
the United States, destruction or falsification of records in federal
investigations, concealment of records, and aiding and abetting,
prosecutors said in a statement released Tuesday.
According
to the indictment, Morens allegedly participated in a scheme to evade
federal transparency laws, including the Freedom of Information Act,
by using personal email accounts and other methods to avoid creating
or preserving official records.
Prosecutors allege that
Morens and others deliberately concealed communications related to
COVID-19 research and policy discussions, including matters tied to
debates over the origins of the virus.
The indictment
further claims that some communications were routed through a
personal Gmail account to avoid public disclosure requirements and
that certain federal records were not properly
maintained.
Additionally, authorities allege Morens
accepted gifts from a collaborator, including meals and other items
of value, in connection with actions he took in his official
capacity.
The charges follow earlier congressional
scrutiny of Morens’ conduct. A House subcommittee previously cited
emails suggesting he attempted to bypass transparency requirements
and delete records related to COVID-19 discussions.
If
convicted, Morens could face significant prison time, including up to
20 years for certain records-related offenses, according to the
Justice Department.
An indictment is a formal accusation
and does not constitute proof of guilt. Morens is presumed innocent
unless proven guilty in court. The case will proceed through standard
federal processes, including arraignment and potential pretrial
hearings.
Morens served as a senior adviser at NIAID from
2006 to 2022, working closely with agency leadership on infectious
disease policy and research issues during his tenure.
No
court date or detailed response from Morens or his representatives
was immediately available. The case is expected to draw national
attention given its connection to federal pandemic decision-making
and ongoing debates over transparency during COVID-19.
Sources:
https://www.aol.com/news/former-fauci-advisor-indicted-hiding-135456400.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://pjmedia.com/benbartee/2025/09/12/18-usc-2071-n4943631?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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