Dentist Sentenced to 15 Years for Fentanyl Theft and Patient Abuse

For nearly three years, patients of Dr. Phillip M. Jensen in Rochester, Illinois, suffered silently, enduring excruciating pain during surgeries. What they didn’t know was that the once-prominent dentist was siphoning fentanyl intended for their procedures, replacing it with saline, and falsifying medical records to cover his tracks. On December 18, 2024, the 64-year-old was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his crimes, a verdict that brought closure to a harrowing chapter for his victims and the local community.

Jensen’s descent into malpractice began in December 2019, when he started stealing fentanyl from single-use vials. According to court records, he tampered with medications to fuel his personal addiction, leaving patients vulnerable to the full force of surgical procedures without adequate pain management. Some patients awoke mid-surgery, writhing and moaning in agony. In one particularly shocking incident, Jensen struck a patient with a surgical instrument after she regained consciousness, continuing the operation as she remained awake.

At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless condemned Jensen’s actions, calling them a profound betrayal of trust. “You diluted necessary medications without your patients’ knowledge or consent,” she said. “If you cannot trust your doctor, who can you trust?” The court heard emotional testimonies from over 99 victims, many of whom shared how the experience left them with lasting physical and psychological scars.

Jensen’s legal troubles were extensive. Indicted in 2022 on 20 felony counts, he initially remained free on bond but had it revoked in mid-2024 after stalking a witness. Prosecutors presented evidence of his addiction and his efforts to falsify records to evade detection. In addition to the prison term, Jensen was fined $200,000, ordered to repay the costs of expert witnesses, and permanently stripped of his medical license.

The case, investigated by multiple federal and local agencies, has drawn attention to the broader risks posed by health care professionals who abuse their authority. “This is a sobering reminder of the damage that can be done when trust is broken,” said Ronne Malham, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. For the Rochester community, Jensen’s sentencing offers some assurance that justice has been served, though the emotional toll remains immeasurable.