The U.S. government has dropped all charges against a Utah plastic surgeon who was accused of discarding COVID-19 vaccines, administering saline injections to children instead of the vaccine, and selling fraudulent vaccination cards.

The dismissal of charges against Dr. Michael Kirk Moore from Midvale, Utah, was announced by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on social media. Moore and others had faced serious allegations including conspiracy to defraud the government and illegally handling government property, which could have resulted in up to 35 years in prison. These charges were originally filed during the previous administration.

Bondi stated that Dr. Moore provided patients with choices when the federal government did not and that he did not deserve the harsh penalties he was facing. The acting U.S. attorney for Utah filed the motion to dismiss, citing that it was in the interest of justice.

The trial had just begun with jury selection in Salt Lake City and was expected to last around two weeks.

Previously, a federal grand jury had indicted Moore, his clinic, and others connected to the case, alleging the destruction of over $28,000 worth of government-supplied COVID-19 vaccines. They were also accused of distributing over 1,900 falsified vaccination cards in exchange for money or donations, and of giving children saline shots at the request of their parents, leading them to believe they were vaccinated.

Robert Kennedy Jr., who was known for his anti-vaccine stance before becoming the nation’s top health official, publicly supported Moore, praising his courage and dedication. During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy had expressed skepticism about vaccines, refusing to fully endorse the scientific consensus on their safety and effectiveness.

Attorney General Bondi later added that the case was brought to her attention by Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.