Officials in Virginia say a doctor has pleaded guilty to illegally prescribing more than 50,000 pills that are used to treat pain and anxiety.
U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring said in a statement that Raymond Michael Moore pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court.
Moore lived in Wise and had a medical practice in Norton. Both towns are in far western Virginia.
Federal officials said that Moore, 61, issued prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines without a legitimate medical purpose.
Federal authorities also said that controlled substances found during a search were for his personal use.
Officials said that Moore has made a plea agreement that says he will forfeit more than $100,000 and will never again be a medical provider. He will be sentenced in March and could face up to 80 years in prison.
