The vaccination map in America, who applies more and who less?
1:15
(CNN) -
A North Carolina police chief was placed on unpaid leave and probation for informing officers about a "clinic" that would issue them a covid-19 vaccination card without receiving the vaccine. local officials said.
TJ Smith, the Oakboro Town, North Carolina police chief, violated policies that include fraud, willful acts that endanger the property of others and serve a conflicting interest when he allegedly told officers about the plan, according to a letter to him written by Doug Burgess, city manager.
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The alleged violations stem from "harmful personal conduct, including notifying law enforcement officers to attend a 'clinic' where they could obtain proof of covid-19 vaccination cards without being vaccinated," the letter read.
The vaccine fraud allegations come as the omicron variant is spreading rapidly both in the US and around the world.
Full vaccination and boosters provide the best protection against the highly contagious variant that has alarmed health officials during the Christmas season.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Services, said earlier this week that North Carolina could see up to 10,000 COVID-19 cases per day in the January peak.
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The one-page letter, signed by Burgess and posted Tuesday, says Smith was ordered to take leave without pay for two weeks and to be on probation for six months beginning Dec. 21.
Smith has the right to appeal, the letter says.
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The disciplinary action came after the city hired Blue Chameleon Investigations to conduct an independent investigation into the matter, and the decision was made based on the findings, Burgess told CNN.
Smith, in a statement to the local newspaper, said in part: "To make a long story short, in hindsight, I made a mistake."
Smith told Stanly News & Press that a friend called him and told him about a mobile vaccination clinic.
"After I hung up the phone with that friend, I called two other police officers (not in my department) and relayed information to them about what was described as a 'self-vaccination' clinic," he says in part of the statement.
"I received a phone call, I hung up and made two more. I did not sit down and digest the information, I did not dedicate myself to think about it or give it much thought. I just transmitted it."
CNN has reached out to Smith for comment.