Dearborn Doctor Admits Selling Unprescribed Drugs, Faces Prison: Feds

DEARBORN, MI — A Dearborn doctor admitted Tuesday to selling prescription drugs outside a professional medical practice and without regard to a medical need, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison said.

Tete Oniango, 47, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances after federal officials said he prescribed 12,500 dosage units of hydrocodone to patients without a medical necessity. Federal officials also confiscated approximately $37,000 in cash from his office.

"Hydrocodone is extremely addictive and can lead to addiction and eventual heroin use," Ison said. "Michigan has seen a devastating number of opioid drug overdoses in the last five years. My office remains committed to pursuing medical providers who abuse their roles as caregivers and inflict harm upon our community."

Oniango sentencing was set for Aug. 22, 2022. He could get up to 10 years in prison and face a $10,000 fine, according to Michigan law.