A former senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci has been charged with conspiring to conceal his communications regarding COVID-19 research during the pandemic, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Dr. David Morens, aged 78, is accused of deliberately bypassing public records laws by using his personal email while working at the National Institutes of Health. The Justice Department claims that he hid or destroyed records related to discussions on COVID-19 research grants, including an attempt to revive a controversial coronavirus grant.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned Morens’ actions, stating that they betrayed public trust during a critical time of the global pandemic. The charges against Morens include conspiracy against the United States, tampering with records in federal investigations, concealing or destroying records, and aiding and abetting, as per a Justice Department announcement. If convicted, he could potentially face a lengthy prison sentence. Morens’ attorney declined to provide a comment on the matter.
The indictment echoes the longstanding belief among Republicans that crucial information about COVID-19 was concealed by the federal government as the pandemic unfolded. Despite various investigations, the exact origins of COVID-19 remain unproven, with uncertainty surrounding whether the virus originated from an animal source or a laboratory incident. A 2023 U.S. intelligence analysis concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support either hypothesis.
Blanche alleged that Morens’ actions were part of a scheme to suppress alternative explanations regarding the origins of COVID-19. Additionally, the Justice Department accused Morens of maintaining an inappropriate relationship with a collaborator, which included accepting a gift of wine and discussing COVID-19 research and potential publications in a prestigious medical journal.
The indictment follows an inquiry by House Republicans into the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on scrutinizing Morens’ email correspondence and accusing him of deliberately concealing records. During congressional testimony, Morens refuted claims of trying to evade transparency laws by using his personal email account.