Ohio Judge Explains Why He Ordered Criminal To Get COVID Shot As Part Of Probation

Vaccine mandates are all the rage these days, and we’re now to the stage where judges start ordering fentanyl users like Brandon Rutherford of Hamilton County, Ohio to get the COVID vaccine as part of their probation. Judge Christopher Wagner says he’s just doing his job and making a decision “to protect the community.”

“Judges make decisions regularly regarding a defendant’s physical and mental health, such as ordering drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment,” Wagner told Cincinnati TV station WCPO.

Here’s the official transcript as to what Wagner ordered as part of Rutherford’s punishment:

“I’m just a judge, not a doctor, but I think the vaccine’s a lot safer than fentanyl, which is what you had in your pocket,” the court transcript reads. “You’re going to maintain employment. You’re not going to be around a firearm. I’m going to order you, within the next two months, to get a vaccine and show that to the probation office. Okay?”

“Because I don’t take a shot they can send me to jail? I don’t agree with that,” Rutherford told WCPO. “I’m just trying to do what I can to get off this as quickly as possible, like finding a job and everything else. But that little thing (COVID vaccine) can set me back.”

Rutherford has since told CNN he’s not taking the vaccine. Now, I’ll let you guess which political party Wagner is associated with. Spoiler: he’s a Democrat.

The @EastsideCinDems put on a fantastic fundraiser, featuring keynote speaker Dayton @nanwhaley. Bonnie Dunkelman and others put on a great event tonight! Loved hanging out with my friend @PavanForJudge and Chris Wagner for Judge. pic.twitter.com/hPxUE2pJrN

— Judge Ginger Bock (@GingerForJudge) February 14, 2020