A judge in Ohio has ordered a man to get a COVID-19 vaccine as one of the conditions of his probation, and the decision is getting plenty of attention.
According to WCPO and other outlets, Judge Christopher Wagner of Hamilton County told 21 year old Brandon he must get vaccinated within 60 days and show proof to the probation office. Brandon was being sentenced after being caught with fentanyl.
“I’m just a judge, not a doctor, but I think the vaccine’s a lot safer than fentanyl, which is what you had in your pocket,” the judge said at the hearing. He also told Brandon to keep a job and stay away from firearms as part of his probation.
Reports say that if Brandon breaks the terms of his probation, he could face up to 18 months in state prison. He had shared his vaccination status during the hearing, and he told WCPO he does not agree with the order. “Because I don’t take a shot, they can send me to jail? I don’t agree with that,” he said. He also told CNN he is not taking the vaccine.
In a statement, the judge said it is his duty to rehabilitate defendants and protect the community. He added that judges regularly make decisions about a defendant’s physical and mental health, such as ordering drug, alcohol and mental health treatment.
So what would y’all do?
Made to order and shipped to your door.
