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According to prosecutors, the owner of the Old Corner Saloon, Todd Anderson, was charged after he sold the fake vaccine passports to undercover officers multiple times for $20 each.
At the time of his arrest, officers found Anderson “in possession of a number of other unfilled out COVID-19 vaccination cards, a laminating machine, laminate and several other cards that were finished,” Luke Blehm of California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, told the New York Post.
Anderson who has been charged with identity theft, forging government documents and falsifying medical records could have his bar’s license suspended or revoked.
“Distributing, falsifying or purchasing fake COVID-19 vaccine cards is against the law and endangers yourself and those around you,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar.
Ms. Salazar, whose office is prosecuting the case, added “it is disheartening to have members in our community show flagrant disregard for public health” amid the ongoing pandemic.
ABC said it plans to take disciplinary action against The Old Corner Saloon, including potentially revoking its license, although local news outlets reported it will remain open in the meantime.
Efforts to reach Mr. Anderson for comment were not immediately successful. He was booked at the local county jail following his arrest, but his name is not listed online among its current inmates.
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A California bar owner was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly selling fake COVID-19vaccination cards to customers.
Todd Anderson, 59, of Clements in San Joaquin County, was charged with identity theft, forging government documents, and falsifying medical records.
As of Wednesday evening, Anderson was out of jail on $380,000 bail, according to a report by ABC 10 of Sacramento. Greed is usually a big motivating factor in these types of cases, said San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar.
It s unclear how many fake cards were sold, but Luke Blehm, deputy division chief at the Alcoholic Beverage Control, said his team gathered about 30 blank cards, laminating machines, laminate, and cutters.
A bar owner from California was arrested after authorities busted him for selling fake COVID vaccination cards.
New York Post reported that Todd Anderson, the owner of the Old Corner Saloon in Clements, sold the fake cards to undercover agents several times.
According to ABC News, the announcement of the arrest was made by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control on Wednesday. The department reportedly received a tip on the issue that led to an undercover investigation.
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Fake COVID Vaccination Cards Sold in a California Bar
The fraudulent vaccination cards were sold at the bar for about $20. San Joaquin County District Attorney s Office noted that undercover agents purchased the fake COVID vaccination cards on multiple occasions in April.