A man from Glen Allen, Va., pleaded guilty to posing as a doctor at a free clinic in Newport News, Va., where he saw nearly two dozen patients, the US Attorney’s Office announced on Monday. Vishal Patel used identification from legitimate physicians and targeted healthcare staffing firms.

Patel became an independent contractor through at least one company and was placed at the clinic in Newport News, according to the US Attorney’s Office. He was terminated because of inability to verify his credential after he saw nearly two dozen patients.

In court, Patel pleaded guilty to furnishing false information in a Drug Enforcement Agency record and aggravated identity theft, according to the US Attorney’s Office. He faces a maximum penalty of four years along with a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison. Sentencing is set for March 19.