One of the doctors charged in connection with the death of Friends star Matthew Perry has appeared in a federal court.
Mark Chavez, 54, did not enter a plea in Los Angeles, but earlier this month signed an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine.
Perry, 54, was found dead at his home in LA on 28 October last year.
The US-born actor had been taking ketamine six to eight times a day before he died, according to court documents.
Five people have been charged in connection with his death.
This includes his live-in personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa and a doctor named Salvador Plasencia, also known as “Dr P”.
The others charged are Jasveen Sangha who was referred to in documents as the “Ketamine Queen“, and Eric Fleming, who it was claimed bought the drug from Sangha.
Chavez agreed to cooperate with prosecutors to pursue others, including Plasencia, who he allegedly worked with to sell ketamine to the actor.
Judge Jean P Rosenbluth ruled Chavez could be released on bail, but was required to hand over his passport and cease working as a doctor.
Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine. Pic: AP
Speaking outside court, Chavez’s lawyer Matthew Binninger said: “He’s incredibly remorseful.
“He’s doing everything in his power to cooperate and help with this situation.”
Also working with the US attorney’s office are Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and Eric Fleming – who both pleaded guilty to various charges.
The three are helping authorities as they prosecute their main targets, Plasencia and Sangha.
Clockwise from top left: Friends stars Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox. Pic: NBC Universal Inc/ Sky UK
After a guilty plea, Chavez could get up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced.
Meanwhile, Plasencia pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
Sangha, a dual US and UK citizen, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine.
Read more:
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He and Sangha are scheduled to return to court next week.
They have separate trial dates set for October, but prosecutors are seeking a single trial that likely would be delayed to next year.
Salvador Plasencia. Pic: Malibu Canyon Urgent Care
Kenneth Iwamasa Pic: LinkedIn
Jasveen Sangha. Pic: BFA.com/Shutterstock
When Perry died, the levels of ketamine in his body were equivalent to the amount used for general anaesthesia during surgery, according to Sky News’ US partner NBC News.
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Outside Jasveen Sangha’s ‘drug-selling emporium’
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Prosecutors allege Chavez funnelled ketamine to Plasencia, securing some of the drug from a wholesale distributor through a fraudulent prescription.
In one instance, prosecutors allege that Plasencia “charged Perry $2,000 (£1,500) a vial that cost Dr Chavez approximately $12 (£9)”.