Oral Surgeon Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Fentanyl Tampering

Des Moines, IA – An Iowa City man was sentenced yesterday to two years in prison for tampering with his dental practice’s fentanyl supply by removing the medication from vials for his own personal use.

Dr. Andrew Charles Hartwig, 55, previously worked as an oral surgeon in Iowa City and Mt. Pleasant. According to court documents, Hartwig diverted fentanyl from his previous employer, Oral Surgery Associates of Iowa City, also known as Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Iowa City, beginning at least as early as April 2019 and until at least July 10, 2019. Hartwig admitted that his actions resulted in the dilution and contamination of the fentanyl supply. Hartwig admitted he acted with reckless disregard that dental patients would be placed in danger of death and bodily injury and manifested extreme indifference to such risk. In October 2022, Hartwig pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with consumer products, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1365(a)(4).

The Court imposed a term of supervised release of two years, a fine of $50,000, and a $100 special assessment.

“Patients rely on receiving the proper FDA-approved medications from those entrusted with their medical care,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian G. McClune, Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office. “We must hold medical personnel accountable when they take advantage of their unique position and tamper with medications their patients need.”

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.