New Jersey Woman Sentenced for Selling Fake Vaccine Cards
In a recent court case in Manhattan, a New Jersey woman named Jasmine Clifford was sentenced to 1 1/2 to 3 years in prison for her role in selling fake vaccination cards. Clifford, who operated under the Instagram account “AntiVaxMomma,” created and sold over 250 fake vaccine cards to essential workers, including hospital and school staff, for $200 each.
Plea Deal and Confusion in Court
Clifford initially pleaded guilty to providing a false instrument and conspiracy, but later expressed confusion in court about the plea deal. Despite claiming she was unaware of the offer, prosecutors disputed her account, stating that Clifford herself had requested the plea deal. Clifford’s attempts to backtrack on her guilty plea were unsuccessful, leading to her sentencing.
Social Media Missteps and Legal Consequences
Throughout the legal proceedings, Clifford’s actions on social media played a significant role in the case. Despite claiming health issues and the need for time away from court appearances, Clifford was found posting vacation photos on Instagram. These contradicting actions did not align with her stated reasons for delay, ultimately impacting the judge’s decision in sentencing.
Transition words such as “despite,” “however,” and “nevertheless” were key in highlighting the inconsistencies in Clifford’s statements and actions. Additionally, the prosecution’s emphasis on Clifford’s social media presence helped solidify their case against her.