Investigators said a bar owner in California was arrested this week for making fake IDs that had nothing to do with drinking.
The owner of the Old Corner Saloon in Clements, California, was arrested on Wednesday by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, reportedly for selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards.
According to the department, an undercover investigation was launched after it was reported that Todd Anderson, 59, made and sold the cards at his pub.
Authorities claim Anderson was selling the cards for $20 each. At least eight were sold before the scheme was shut down by undercover agents who said they bought IDs from the bar “on several occasions in April.” A laminating machine was seized, as well as 30 blank cards.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar said in a statement: “It is disheartening to have members in our community show flagrant disregard for public health in the midst of a pandemic.” He said, “Distributing, falsifying, or purchasing fake COVID-19 vaccine cards is against the law and endangers yourself and those around you.”
Authorities said Anderson was charged with falsifying a medical record, falsifying a seal, identity fraud, and possession of a loaded, unregistered weapon.
At this time, it’s unclear if Anderson has hired an attorney.
According to the report, investigators are also pursuing a criminal complaint against one of Anderson’s employees who may have been involved in the suspected activity.
In March, the FBI issued an alert about the sale of potentially fraudulent vaccination cards.
“By misrepresenting yourself as vaccinated when entering schools, mass transit, workplaces, gyms, or places of worship,” the FBI said in a statement, “you put yourself and others around you at risk of contracting COVID-19.”
