In the United States, the university scientist who allegedly destroyed vials containing bacteria samples that could cause bubonic plague was arrested Wednesday, according to a law enforcement source.
Dr. Thomas Butler, aged 61, was leading a study aimed at developing antibiotics to fight the plague.
CNN quoted law enforcement sources as saying the scientist has been charged with making false statements to the FBI. He is expected to make an initial appearance before a federal magistrate on Thursday in Lubbock, Texas, the sources added.
They also said they don't know why Butler, chief of the Infectious Disease Division at Texas Tech University's Department of Internal Medicine, destroyed the vials. The vials were destroyed prior to January 11, the sources said, and Butler allegedly did not fill out the required documentation.
One law enforcement source said it was Butler himself who first notified the school that the vials were missing. He repeated his story when interrogated by the FBI, saying he did not know how or why the vials came to be missing, but later admitted destroying them himself, the source said.
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Texas Tech said it is too early to say whether Butler will be suspended pending an investigation. "I hope we'll be able to continue the research," spokeswoman Cindy Rugely said.
Around 30 vials were reported missing Tuesday, prompting fears of a potential bio-terror threat. However, authorities Wednesday said all of the vials had been accounted for. (Albawaba.com)
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