MOUNT VERNON, IL - A Mount Vernon, Illinois dentist pleaded guilty Friday to charges of Medicaid fraud and illegal distribution of hydrocodone.

The US Attorney's Office in Southern Illinois says the offenses against 60-year-old Walter L. Dawkins involve writing prescriptions outside the course of his professional medical practice. 

The drug offenses carry a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, three years supervised release, and a $500,000 fine. 

Medicaid fraud  has a maximum ten year prison sentence as well, along with three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. 

The case was investigated by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Illinois State Police, and numerous other agencies. 

Sentencing is scheduled for December 21, 2012 in Benton, Illinois.