WICHITA, KAN. – In a shocking case of corruption, a former Kansas physician has been brought to justice for operating a notorious pill mill in Wichita, Kansas. Steven R. Henson, 63, of Wichita, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for selling opioid prescriptions to customers without legitimate medical need for powerful pain medications.
According to court documents, Henson pleaded guilty to a slew of charges, including two counts of conspiracy to dispense, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, eight counts of dispensing and aiding and abetting with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, five counts of dispensing controlled substances, and six counts of money laundering.
Henson’s pill mill, which operated between July 2014 and August 2015, was a cash-based business where patients would pay $300 for a visit without a legitimate medical examination. His co-conspirators would tell him which controlled substances they wanted, and he would obligingly write a prescription without conducting any medical history or determining if the medication was needed.
The prescriptions were for powerful pain medications like oxycodone, methadone, and alprazolam, often prescribed in high doses and pill counts. Henson’s actions led to a significant contribution to the opioid crisis in Kansas, and his conviction is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies in the state.
The investigation into Henson’s pill mill was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the Newton Police Department, the Wichita Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katie Andrusak and Jason Hart prosecuted the case.
Henson’s sentence is a significant blow to the opioid epidemic in Kansas, and his conviction serves as a warning to other healthcare professionals who may be tempted to engage in similar activities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
As the opioid crisis continues to plague our nation, cases like this serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of pill mills and the importance of holding those responsible accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to shine a light on corruption and crime in our communities.
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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