Justice Department May Investigate Doctor Who Promoted Hydroxychloroquine for Coronavirus Treatment

Strategic Insights -

Doctor Vladimir Zelenko, who has gained attention for pushing hydroxychloroquine usage for coronavirus treatment to the White House and on Fox News, may now face a Justice Department investigation. This arises from a mistaken email sent by conservative podcaster Jerome Corsi, who had copied federal prosecutor Aaron Zelinsky, a former special counsel's office investigator, instead of Zelenko.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jerome Corsi, a conservative podcaster, mistakenly emailed federal prosecutor Aaron Zelinsky about public relations and business opportunities for Doctor Vladimir Zelenko, who has promoted hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus treatment.
  • The email, sent on April 20, was intended for Zelenko, but instead, it was copied to Zelinsky, who had previously considered charging Corsi with lying during the investigation into President Donald Trump's longtime friend Roger Stone.
  • Zelinsky responded to Corsi, asking if he had a lawyer for the matter, and Corsi realized he must be under investigation.
  • It is unclear what the investigation may focus on, but a spokesperson for the Maryland US Attorney's Office wouldn't confirm or deny the existence of an ongoing investigation.
  • Coral Zelinsky and Zelenko did not respond to requests for comment.
  • Corsi cooperated with Zelinsky's requests, handing over materials, and stated he has done nothing wrong in promoting hydroxychloroquine.
  • Zelenko has gained attention for experimenting with hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus and has drawn praise from right-wing circles and the Trump administration.
  • However, the Food and Drug Administration has said the drug has not been shown to be "safe and effective" for treating the illness, and its usage for coronavirus patients has risks of severe complications, even death.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs has said it continues to use the anti-malarial drug to treat coronavirus cases in a manner consistent with current FDA guidance.
  • The FDA has said that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine should be used for coronavirus only in clinical trials and for treating certain hospitalized patients.

Statistics:

  • 20: The date on which Jerome Corsi mistakenly emailed Aaron Zelinsky.
  • 24: The date on which the FDA announced that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine should be used for coronavirus only in clinical trials and for treating certain hospitalized patients.
  • N/A: The number of public active Covid-related cases that Aaron Zelinsky has appeared in, according to federal court records.
  • 2016: The year in which Corsi testified to a federal grand jury and made public a plea agreement he had refused to sign in which he would have been charged with lying about Stone's efforts.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post
  • CNN
  • CNN
  • CNN
  • The Washington Post
  • CNN
  • CNN