(CBS DETROIT) — A Dearborn doctor pleaded guilty on Monday after admitting to prescribing more than 12,000 dosage units of hydrocodone with no medical need for the drug, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Federal officials say Dr. Tete Oniango, 47, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances and agreed to forfeit about $37,000 in cash that was seized from his office.

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Court records show Oniango admitted to prescribing 12,500 units of hydrocodone “outside the scope of professional medical practice and without any legitimate medical need for the drugs.”

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“Hydrocodone is extremely addictive and can lead to addiction and eventual heroin use. Michigan has experienced a devastating number of opioid overdoses in the past five years. My office remains committed to prosecuting medical providers who abuse their role as caregivers and inflict harm on our community,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 22.

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