Phillip M. Jensen, a dentist from Rochester, Illinois, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for crimes related to drug theft and malpractice. On December 18, 2024, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless handed down the sentence after Jensen pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including drug diversion and tampering with consumer products.
Jensen admitted to stealing fentanyl from his patients between December 2019 and his license suspension in 2022. He was found guilty of withdrawing half the fentanyl from vials intended for patient use, replacing it with saline, and then resealing the vials to conceal his actions. These altered drugs were used during surgeries without proper pain management.
Evidence presented during the sentencing highlighted Jensen's history of addiction and previous attempts at treatment. The court heard testimonies from several victims who suffered due to Jensen's actions, including one mother who recounted her child's painful experience during surgery.
Judge Lawless dismissed Jensen's claims that he was less culpable than an average drug dealer by noting that he profited from his crimes and violated patients' trust by administering diluted drugs without their consent or knowledge.
Jensen faced an indictment on twenty felony counts in February 2022 and had been detained since July 2024 following bond violations involving witness harassment.
In addition to the prison sentence, Jensen was fined $200,000 and ordered to repay costs incurred by the government for hiring expert witnesses. His medical license has also been revoked.
U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris stated that this case demonstrates the Department of Justice's commitment to protecting the public from those who exploit them. Special Agent Ronne Malham emphasized the risk posed by healthcare professionals tampering with medications, while Sheila Lyons stressed accountability for medical professionals who violate their oaths.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Unit and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.