Ex-McKinsey partner sentenced to 6 months in prison for obstructing probes into opioid crisis

A former senior partner at McKinsey & Company has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for destroying records related to the firm’s work to boost Purdue Pharma’s OxyContin sales during the opioid crisis.

Martin Elling, 60, pleaded guilty in January to obstruction of justice in connection to criminal investigations into McKinsey’s consulting work with opioid manufacturers. McKinsey reached a $650 million settlement last year to resolve these probes.

“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message: those who try to obstruct justice and hide the truth will be held accountable, regardless of their seniority or connections,” said Leah Foley, US Attorney for the District of Massachusetts.

Elling’s legal team confirmed the sentencing and expressed his remorse, stating that he plans to spend the rest of his life making amends for his actions.

Elling’s sentencing occurred in Abingdon, Va., a town in Appalachia heavily impacted by the opioid crisis, which claimed over 42,000 lives in the US in 2016 alone.

Purdue Pharma enlisted McKinsey in 2013 to drive OxyContin revenue and increase sales, court documents revealed.

Elling, who oversaw around 30 of McKinsey’s engagements with Purdue, was ordered to perform 1,000 hours of community service and pay a $40,000 fine.

Prosecutors had recommended a one-year prison sentence for Elling, emphasizing the seriousness of the case given his position at a top consulting firm and the impact of the opioid crisis.

McKinsey apologized in December for its involvement with Purdue and the actions of a former partner who deleted documents related to their work for the client.