LOS ANGELES: One of two doctors charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death made his first appearance in a federal court in Los Angeles on Friday after reaching a deal to plead guilty and cooperate with prosecutors. Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, of San Diego, stood in court with his lawyer and told a judge he understood his rights. US Magistrate Judge Jean P. Rosenbluth told him he could remain free on bond with several restrictions, including turning over his passport and not working as a doctor. He has agreed to turn over his medical license.

Chavez signed an agreement with prosecutors earlier this month to plead guilty to conspiring to distribute the surgical anesthetic ketamine. He did not enter his guilty plea or speak about the case, which he will do with another judge at a date to be determined. “He’s incredibly remorseful, not just because it happened to Matthew Perry, but because it happened to a patient,” Chavez’s lawyer Matthew Binninger said outside court with the doctor standing at his side. “He’s trying to do everything in his power to right the wrong that happened here. He didn’t accept responsibility today, but only because it wasn’t on the calendar.”

Binninger added, “He’s doing everything in his power to cooperate and help with this situation.” Asked what he and Chavez would say to Perry’s family, Binninger said, “I’m afraid I can’t answer that question other than to say that we’re incredibly sorry that someone lost their life. It doesn’t matter that he was a famous celebrity, and I know that he was incredibly universally loved by all. It’s a shame at what happened.” (AP)