A doctor from Lehigh Township, Northampton County, has been accused of writing illegal prescriptions for his ex-wife to receive powerful painkillers.

The Lehigh County District Attorney's office on Friday announced charges against Steven T. Puccio, 52, of Hunsicker Drive.Puccio allegedly prescribed powerful painkillers to his ex-wife, Rachel, during and after their five-year marriage, and she reportedly became addicted.Rachel Puccio told police that she became addicted to benzodiazepines during the time that they were married, between 2003-2007. She said the drugs were prescribed by her ex-husband.She also told police that Steven Puccio continued to write prescriptions for oxycodone and methadone, a total of 28, between 2007 and 2014.Steven Puccio surrendered to police Friday morning, and was arraigned on charges before a magisterial district judge in Allentown.His defense attorney says "compassion for his former spouse clouded his judgment" but acknowledges he "did some things he shouldn't have done."The Lehigh County district attorney says Puccio first prescribed sedatives to the woman, who is now 37, while they were married from 2003 to 2007, and she became addicted. Defense attorney Janet Jackson disputes prosecutors' claims the Walnutport orthopedic surgeon was responsible for that addiction.Puccio voluntarily surrendered his medical license in July, according to police. According to a profile on LinkedIn, He was employed by St. Luke's University Health Network from 2006 until April of this year.He faces charges including prescribing controlled substances outside of medical treatment principles, which is a felony.He is currently out on $50,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Oct. 21.The Associated Press contributed to this report.