SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A dentist who owned a Springfield office has pleaded guilty for stealing fentanyl from his patients.
63-year-old Phillip Jensen of Rochester pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of drug diversion, acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, and making false statements relating to health care matters and one count of tampering with consumer products resulting in serious bodily injury.
Prosecutors said in court Jensen took vials of fentanyl he received for his dental practice specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery, removed the caps and withdrew half or more of the drug and replaced the missing amount with saline, and glued the caps back on to hide his tampering. They estimate Jensen was able to steal more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
Surgical assistants noticed the theft after spotting patients moaning in pain and seeing their blood pressure and heart rates react to the pain.
A federal grand jury indicted Jensen in 2022 for eight counts of drug diversion, eight counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, one count of tampering with consumer products and three counts of false statements related to healthcare matters. Jensen was released on bond but was detained last month for violating his pre-trial release.
Jensen’s sentencing date is scheduled for December 4. He faces up to 78 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000, and up to 21 years of supervised release as his sentences may be served consecutively. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.
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