HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A New Haven man is headed to federal prison for his role in a scheme to sell opioids obtained through fake prescriptions.

New Haven Register reports that 38-year-old Alejandrino DeJesus was sentenced Monday to 11 years behind bars. He pleaded guilty in August to one count of conspiracy to acquire oxycodone by fraud or forgery.

Investigators say those involved in the conspiracy obtained the personal information of medical practitioners and used the information to create fraudulent prescriptions.

Authorities say the members also purchased legitimate prescriptions for oxycodone from individuals and then used "runners" to fill the prescriptions at pharmacies throughout Connecticut.

Federal prosecutors say DeJesus was one of the key members who recruited and transported the runners.

DeJesus's lawyer says his client was motivated by his own drug addictions.