Ex-NIAID Official Indicted for Hiding Records in COVID-19 Grant Saga

A former NIAID senior adviser, David M. Morens, was indicted on conspiracy against the United States, destruction/alteration/falsification of records, concealment/removal/mutilation of records, and aiding and abetting. Prosecutors allege he and coconspirators concealed communications via a personal Gmail to dodge FOIA requests related to COVID-19 research grants, sought to counter the lab-origin narrative, and accepted gifts as part of the scheme. If convicted, penalties can reach up to 5 years for conspiracy, up to 20 years per destruction/falsification count, and up to 3 years per concealment count. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated; Morens is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.