Greenbelt, Maryland - An ex-advisor to former top infectious diseases official Anthony Fauci recently plead guilty to charges involving a plot to cover up vital research during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to AP News, Dr. David Morens pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiring to defraud the US government, which carries a maximum of five years in prison.

The Department of Justice alleges Dr. Morens used his private email to intentionally circumvent public records laws while employed at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He then concealed or destroyed records of discussions related to Covid-19 research grants.

In a statement, his defense attorney says that with his plea, "Dr. Morens has taken responsibility for what he did, and he will continue to do so."

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He is scheduled to be sentenced by District Judge Paula Xinis on November 12.

The plea comes after Fauci faced a heated Senate hearing last month led by Republican Senator Rand Paul, who insists on unsubstantiated claims that the origins of the pandemic began in a lab and were covered up.

Days later, Senate Republicans voted to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress.

Republicans have made it clear that they hope to prosecute Fauci for alleged mishandling and cover-ups amid the pandemic, though he has yet to face any charges.