GRAFTON, WI (WSAU) — The former employee of Arora Health Care Medical Group in Grafton accused of leaving more than 55 vials of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine out of cold storage made an initial court appearance on Monday.
Steven R. Brandenburg was released on a signature bond Monday afternoon, and officials say charges against him remain unclear until the vaccine vials can be tested by Moderna. Authorities say at a minimum the 46-year-old could be charged with a misdemeanor count of attempted criminal damage to property, but that’s only if the vials are still usable. If it turns out the vaccine is indeed ruined, he would face a felony count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety and criminal damage to property.
A criminal complaint has not yet been filed while officials wait for the results of the testing on what’s left of the vaccine. Moderna has previously stated that its version of the COVID-19 vaccine can be kept at room temperature for up to 12 hours and still be effective.
A judge released Brandenburg on a signature bond and has been ordered to have no contact with the Aurora Health Center, cannot work in the healthcare industry, and must surrender any weapons. Additionally, he’s barred from distributing any kind of medication.
Brandenburg has reportedly admitted to knowingly leaving the vaccine out over two nights because he thought the medicine was unsafe. After the vials had been left out for several hours, they were put back in storage then administered to some people.
Co-workers add that have had prior concerns about Brandenburg’s wellbeing as he has been going through a divorce. Some have speculated that he brought a gun to work on at least two occasions, though there’s no evidence to back that up.
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