An Ann Arbor physician pleaded guilty today to a drug charge stemming from the operation of his medical practice, United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy announced today.

Murphy was joined in the announcement by Robert Corso, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration and Daniel D. Roberts, Special Agent In Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Stuart W. Bilyeu, D.O., 45, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, entered the guilty plea in United States District Court before Judge Robert H. Cleland.

“The type of criminal violations committed by Bilyeu, a licensed doctor, are taken very seriously by my office because they evidence a total abuse of trust by the physician and because they endanger the safety of their patients,” said United States Attorney Murphy. “Doctors who endanger the public for personal gain can expect to serve time in prison.”

The information presented to the court at the time of the plea showed that between January 2003 and May of 2005, while Dr. Bilyeu operated medical practices in Taylor and Detroit, he illegally prescribed over 60,000 dosage units of Schedule II, III and IV drugs Under the terms of the plea agreement, Dr. Bilyeu faces up to 60 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The anticipated sentencing guideline range is 57-60 months of imprisonment.

A sentencing hearing was set by Judge Cleland for 2 p.m. July 13, 2006. The defendant remains on bond, subject to the condition imposed on July 20, 2005, that the defendant not prescribe any prescription drug controlled substances.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wayne F. Pratt.