Statements Regarding The Sentencing Of Eric And Ryan Jensen

DENVER -- Eric and Ryan Jensen, owners of Jensen Farms, were sentenced this morning by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael E. Hegarty to serve 5 years’ probation, with the first 6 months in home detention.  Each defendant was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service.  Finally, the Jensen brothers were each ordered to pay restitution totaling $150,000, or $25,000 per count for each of the six counts charged, consecutive, with the money going to the victims of their crime.

STATEMENT FROM U.S. ATTORNEY JOHN WALSH

“No sentence of incarceration, restitution or financial penalty can undo the tragic damage done as a result of the contamination at Jensen Farms.  Today's sentence serves as a powerful reminder of farmers’ legal and moral responsibility for ensuring their product is safe.  Because of the Jensen Farms case and this prosecution, changes have been made regarding how fruit is processed and transported across the country.  The prosecution recommended probation in this case because of the defendants' unique cooperation, including their willingness to meet with Congress and their willingness to meet with and be confronted by the victims of their misconduct.  They have committed to continue their cooperation, and have publicly and privately expressed sincere remorse.  In short, they have done everything we have asked of them to mitigate the damage done.  I would like to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime Peña and Special Agent Dan Burke of the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigation for their tireless efforts to bring this case to resolution, and to help the victims and their families understand what has happened, how it happened, and that everything possible has been done to reduce the chances of it ever happening again.”

STATEMENT FROM FDA OFFICE OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION ACTING SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE SPENCER MORRISON

“We sincerely hope that today’s sentencing will provide some small measure of justice to the victims of this awful tragedy.  FDA will continue to appropriately utilize its resources to ensure the integrity of our nation’s food supply. “

            NOTE:  Spencer Morrison is the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation’s Kansas City Field Office