SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. – An Illinois dentist who admitted to stealing fentanyl from patients for personal use was sentenced to federal prison earlier this month.
Phillip M. Jensen, 64, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay a $200,000 fine on Dec. 20, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The National Institutes of Health reports that dentists are legally allowed to use a small “administration dose of fentanyl in conscious sedation” for certain procedures, but only under strict regulations and appropriate circumstances.
Investigators say Jensen began stealing fentanyl from patients as early as December 2019. He also injected patients with adulterated drugs and performed surgery without proper pain management.
Jensen stole more than 40 grams of fentanyl for his personal use before his license was revoked in 2022. He admitted to stealing “at least half of the fentanyl in every vial in the practice,” refilling the vials with saline, and resealing the vials with glued caps.
Jensen also falsified surgical records, claiming he had administered full-strength fentanyl to patients for pain relief.
Investigators identified 99 victims of Jensen’s actions. Prior to his charges, staff members reported noticing patients who were moving, moaning, and otherwise showing signs of pain and distress during surgeries that were believed to involve fentanyl.
In August, Jensen pleaded guilty to two counts of drug diversion, two counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, one count of tampering with consumer products resulting in serious bodily injury, and two counts of false statements relating to health care matters.
“People are never as vulnerable as when they place their faith in a health care provider to not only treat their condition but to administer anesthesia and pain medicine during that treatment. Jensen abused that faith and hurt others in the process. Because of this prosecution, Jensen will not be permitted to practice medicine again and will be prevented from hurting members of our community in the future,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris via a news release.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Unit in Springfield, Illinois, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation all investigated this case.