A guilty plea by the alleged ringleader of a multistate online “pill mill” operation leaves seven defendants awaiting trial, authorities said Thursday.

James Hazelwood, 41, of Cumming faces up to life in prison on his guilty plea Wednesday in U.S. District Court to engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. Sentencing is set for Feb. 2.

The operation catered to people seeking highly addictive painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs and made use of the Internet and phony prescriptions, prosecutors said when the case was outlined in 2010.

“This is one of the more egregious pill mill cases we have ever come across,” said Steve Dettelbach, U.S. attorney for northern Ohio.

“Prescription drug abuse is a major problem. Whether it is an Internet-based pill mill or a local dentist handing out prescriptions, we are committed to stopping those who illegally distribute drugs.”

According to court documents, Hazelwood’s organization sought customers through websites, online banner ads, advertising in bathroom stalls at bars, and at a music festival in Miami.

With Hazelwood’s plea, five of 12 original defendants indicted last year plus another added later have pleaded guilty. Cases against seven others are still pending.

In his plea deal, Hazelwood agreed to forfeit more than $3.8 million worth of property, including four vehicles, a ski boat and property in Atlanta.

His attorney declined to comment.

Federal prosecutors in Jacksonville and Tampa, Fla., Puerto Rico, New Orleans and New York City also participated in the case.