HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A doctor was fired and is now facing a criminal charge after being accused of stealing the COVID-19 vaccine to give to his family and friends.
The Dallas Morning News reports Hasan Kassim Gokal, 48, faces a charge of theft by a public servant.
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According to the Harris County district attorney, Gokal stole a vial that contained nine doses of the coronavirus vaccine while working at a vaccination site in December.
An investigation by officials at Harris County Public Health, where Gokal worked, led to the doctor's termination.
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“He abused his position to place his friends and family in line in front of people who had gone through the lawful process to be there,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said. “What he did was illegal and he’ll be held accountable under the law.”
Gokal's attorney says his client only took the vial to make sure none of the doses would go to waste.
