PITTSBURGH — A New Castle man pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh on Wednesday to charges of unlawfully prescribing and distributing controlled substances.

U.S. District Attorney Scott W. Brady reported Dr. Thomas A Ranieri, 66, pleaded guilty to 14 counts.

Ranieri was a physician who previously practiced as an anesthesiologist and pain doctor in clinics located in New Castle and multiple locations in Ohio, according to a press release issued by Brady’s office.

Over a six-month span in 2013, Ranieri prescribed and distributed quantities of Schedule II controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. These drugs included Oxycodone, Fentanyl and Opana ER.

Ranieri remains free on bond pending his sentencing, which is scheduled for January before U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone. Ranieri faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.

Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie L. Haines and Colin J. Callahan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.