In a significant development surrounding the accidental overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, a federal judge has allowed a plea agreement to proceed between prosecutors and Dr. Mark Chavez, a San Diego doctor. Chavez, 54, appeared in a Los Angeles court where he was arraigned on one count of conspiring to distribute ketamine, a powerful anesthetic. He is expected to plead guilty at a later date.

As part of the conditions set by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jean Rosenbluth, Chavez has been released on a $50,000 unsecured bond. However, he must surrender his passport and no longer practice medicine. Chavez could face up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced.

Chavez is one of five defendants, including another doctor, who have been accused of procuring and supplying ketamine to Perry during the final weeks of his life. The "Friends" star had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy before his death in October.

Matthew Binninger, Chavez's lawyer, stated outside the court that his client is "incredibly remorseful" and has already suspended his medical license. Binninger also acknowledged that Chavez agreed to the plea deal as federal investigators had done an excellent job in their investigation.

In earlier announcements, federal investigators disclosed that two others, Perry's live-in personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa and another acquaintance Erik Fleming, had pleaded guilty in connection with the case. Iwamasa, 59, admitted to repeatedly injecting ketamine into Perry, including on the day he died. Fleming, 54, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to distribute ketamine and distributing ketamine resulting in death.

However, two other defendants involved in Perry's death, Jasveen Sangha and Salvador Plasencia, have pleaded not guilty. Sangha, known as the "ketamine queen," faces multiple charges related to ketamine distribution, while Plasencia, known as "Dr. P," is charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

According to the superseding indictment, the events leading to Perry's death occurred when Plasencia learned of Perry's desire for ketamine and contacted Chavez, who ran a ketamine clinic. The doctors discussed pricing through text messages. Chavez sold Plasencia orally administered ketamine lozenges and fraudulently obtained liquid ketamine for further distribution.

Federal prosecutors allege that Iwamasa sought an additional source of ketamine just before Perry's death, leading him to contact Fleming. Fleming then connected with Sangha, an alleged major underground ketamine seller. On October 28, Iwamasa injected Perry multiple times with ketamine obtained from Fleming and Sangha.

Ketamine infusion therapy has gained popularity as a treatment for mental health issues. Perry had been using it to address depression and anxiety, according to a coroner's report. The high levels of ketamine found in his body at the time of death raised questions, as the last reported treatment was 1½ weeks prior.

Matthew Perry's struggle with addiction was well-known, and he had openly discussed his battle with alcohol and opioid addiction. In his memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing," released in 2022, Perry revealed his multiple rehab stints before achieving long-term sobriety.

Chavez's attorney acknowledged the intense scrutiny and national attention the case has received due to Perry's celebrity status. He emphasized that Chavez feels deep remorse for his role in Perry's tragic demise and has taken steps such as the surrender of his medical license and cooperation with the government.

As the case progresses, the legal actions surrounding Matthew Perry's death shed light on the devastating consequences that ensued from the alleged misuse and distribution of powerful anesthetics.