FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – A Fond du Lac psychiatrist who ran a scheme to distribute controlled substance prescriptions in exchange for cash, which authorities say totaled more than $250 million, was sentenced to four years in prison on Monday.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 77-year-old John D. Whelan reportedly sold ‘improper and illicit prescriptions’ while working as a physician in Fond du Lac.
After pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and lying to federal agents, Whelan was sentenced to a term of 48 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Police officer in Wisconsin allegedly takes man’s money during a search, officially charged
At the sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Brett H. Ludwig described Whelan as committing an “extremely serious drug offense,” in which Whelan engaged in a scheme to distribute controlled substance prescriptions in exchange for cash.
Judge Ludwig recounted how Whelan made more than $250,000,000 by selling improper and illicit prescriptions. Judge Ludwig explained that a significant punishment was necessary because of the serious nature of the offense and to send a message that the “rules apply to everyone, even if you go to medical school.”
“If someone had cash, Mr. Whelan was willing to sell them controlled substances regardless of their actual medical need and regardless of whether the individuals were simply abusing these drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad. “Rather than seeking to truly care for his patients, Mr. Whelan sought simply to fund a lavish lifestyle.”
Police K9 dies after being hit by a vehicle on a Wisconsin highway
“Our communities deserve honest and trustworthy medical doctors. Individuals betraying this trust through the illegal prescribing of controlled substances will be investigated to the fullest extent of the law by the DEA,” stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge John G.D. McGarry.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (LWAM)-Drug Unit worked to investigate the case against Whelan.
No additional information was provided.
