LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Nevada physician who faces a civil wrongful death lawsuit in the drug overdose death of a Henderson judge plans to seek probation after pleading guilty to illegal distribution of the powerful opioid fentanyl.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reportsthat Steven Holper and his attorney, Christopher Frey, declined additional comment Monday after Holper's plea in U.S. District Court.
His plea to criminal distribution of a controlled substance avoids trial. Prosecutors dropped other charges against him.
The 67-year-old Holper is free pending sentencing March 19. He could face up to 20 years in prison.
Holper's state medical license is listed as inactive.
Holper has said he stopped treating Henderson Municipal Judge Diana Hampton months before her death in March 2016.
Hampton's family filed the wrongful death lawsuit against him.