Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
A former senior partner at McKinsey & Company, Martin Elling, has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for obstructing justice related to his work on Purdue Pharma matters. This sentencing follows Elling's guilty plea in January 2025, where he admitted to destroying records with the intent to impede a United States Department of Justice investigation.
Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee stated, "Martin Elling willfully destroyed records in order to obstruct a Department of Justice investigation related to the actions of McKinsey & Company, Purdue Pharma and the opioid crisis that has devastated communities in this region."
Leah B. Foley, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, remarked on the broader implications of the case: “Today’s sentencing sends a resounding message: those who attempt to obstruct justice and conceal the truth – no matter how senior, sophisticated, or well-connected – will be held accountable.”
Elling's actions included deleting materials related to McKinsey’s work for Purdue from his laptop and email account. The court documents revealed that these actions were part of an effort by McKinsey called "Evolve to Excellence" or “E2E,” which aimed at boosting OxyContin sales.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares commended both federal and state agencies involved in the case for their efforts in ensuring justice is served amid the ongoing opioid crisis affecting Virginia and beyond.
The prosecution was handled by multiple attorneys from various U.S. Attorney’s Offices and assisted by several federal investigative agencies including the Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations.
