CRIME

Utah man sentenced to prison for creating, selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards

Oct 11, 2024, 8:20 PM

Nicholas Frank Sciotto poses next to piles of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards in 2021. The Salt Lak...

Nicholas Frank Sciotto poses next to piles of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards in 2021. The Salt Lake man was sentenced to a year in prison Thursday for selling over 120,000 of them during the pandemic. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)

(U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah man was sentenced for manufacturing and selling 120,000 counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination record cards across the United States in 2021.

On Thursday, Nicholas Frank Sciotto, 34, of Salt Lake City, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, three years supervised release, and ordered by the court to pay a $40,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States according to court documents.

In July, Sciotto admitted to defrauding the CDC by making fake vaccination cards and earning approximately $400,000 in profit in 2021, according to federal prosecutors.

Documents stated Sciotto made a fake badge under the guise of volunteering with a major COVID-19 testing company in Utah to trick a print shop worker into printing thousands of copies of vaccination cards.

More of the fake vaccination cards sold by Sciotto.

More of the fake vaccination cards sold by Sciotto. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)

“On Facebook, Sciotto sold each card for $10 with a 10 card minimum per order, plus $5 for shipping and directed buyers to a mobile payment service to complete the transaction,” according to court documents.

Documents stated that Sciotto worked with Kyle Blake Burbage, 33, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, to distribute the cards. Burbage pleaded guilty in August 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 29.

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

(Trafficking)...

Alton Barnhart

‘Having fun:’ Man arrested after high-speed chase, police say

A Texas man was arrested after a high-speed chase Sunday morning, according to Utah County Sheriffs, claiming he said he was 'having fun.'

4 hours ago

Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio in Rome on Wednesday. (Roberto Monaldo/LaPresse/Shutterstock ...

Sharon Braithwaite, Christian Edwards and Adam Pourahmadi, CNN

Italy releases Iranian businessman wanted by US over drone attack that killed Americans

Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, who was detained in Italy at the request of the United States following a drone attack that killed three Americans, has been released.

6 hours ago

A Utah County junior high school teacher was charged Thursday on 4th District Court in Provo with 1...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Thousands of child sex abuse material found on teacher’s electronics, prosecutors say

Thousands of files of child sex abuse material were found on the electronic devices belonging to a Utah County junior high school teacher, according to prosecutors.

1 day ago

A 2007 mug shot of Jacob Holt Johnson....

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Herriman man charged in ‘heinous and cruel’ killing of ex-girlfriend

Prosecutors say Summer Tatiana Roney's death and the condition in which her body was found was "especially heinous and cruel."

2 days ago

The scene of the crashed car in Kearns on Friday night....

Michelle Lee

Juvenile suspects arrested after gunshots were heard near Kearns Library

Police are investigating three juvenile suspects who fled after gunshots were heard near the Kearns Library.

2 days ago

A photo of a court judge's gavel....

Daniella Rivera

Utah lawmakers poised to weigh limits on use of polygraphs in sexual assault cases

A bill that garnered bipartisan support but did not pass during the 2024 session is back on the table and could set limits on the use of polygraphs in cases involving sexual crimes.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah man sentenced to prison for creating, selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards