After entering a plea to selling fake COVID-19 vaccination tickets to unvaccinated people during the COVID-19 crisis, a former Marine Corps military was given a prison sentence on Friday.
According to a U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Easter District of New York , hit discharge, 28- year- ancient Jia Liu was sentenced to 21 months in prison after conducting a fraudulent COVID- 19 vaccination card scheme with 29- year- ancient Steven Rodriguez, a Long Island nurse. Rodriguez was formerly given a 30-month prison sentence last year.
According to the media release,” Jia Liu was sentenced by United States District Judge Diane Gujarati to 21 months in prison for conspiring to steal, craft, and spread false COVID- 19 Immunization Cards.” In April of this year, Liu and Rodriguez admitted to theories to mislead and obstructing the United States ‘ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 300 stolen or fake COVID-19 vaccination tickets were distributed by Liu and Rodriquez on charges of entering more than 70 people erroneously into the government’s vaccine data.
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” At the top of the COVID epidemic, Liu and Rodriguez brazenly falsified vaccination cards and sold them for gain, thereby putting the security of others at risk during this dangerous health crisis”, Breon Peace, a U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District in Brooklyn, said. This case highlights our office’s ongoing commitment to holding accountable those responsible for COVID- 19 fraud. These prison sentences should deter other criminals who prioritize their own well-being over public safety.
According to the press release, the former Marine reservist and Long Island nurse made significant efforts to conceal their fake COVID- 19 vaccination card operation. The fake vaccine cards were referred to as “gift cards,” Cardi Bs, and Pokemon cards by co-conspirators in the operation.
Authorities claimed Liu instructed users to use encrypted applications to communicate and keep payment records for the fabricated vaccine cards. Additionally, Liu and Rodriguez used false names on envelopes and “disguised the source of mail items”.
According to the press release, Liu “exploited the pandemic to enrich himself” and promote an “anti-vaccine agenda.” Officials referenced a message Liu sent to one of the co- conspirators, which said,” f- ck the vaccine”.
Officials indicated that Liu’s fake COVID- 19 vaccine card operation “targeted” military members, as the former Marine Corps reservist offered other Marine Corps reservists the opportunity to avoid following the military’s strict vaccine requirements. You have no idea how many documents I have faked in my USMC ( United States Marine Corps ) career, Liu wrote in an encrypted messaging app.
