Two men facing separate felony charges appeared in court Thursday before Ninth Judicial District Judge Denise Lynch. 

A former Glenwood Springs doctor pleaded guilty to attempted sexual contact, while a man accused of drug and firearm distribution continued to dispute issues with pretrial services as his case moved toward trial.

Former Doctor pleads guilty to attempted sexual contact

Mark Young, a former anesthesiologist who operated APEX Ketamine Therapy in Glenwood Springs, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual contact under the pretense of a medical exam. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped charges including felony sexual contact with an at-risk person.

---

---

Young was arrested in April 2024 after multiple female patients accused him of making inappropriate sexual comments and engaging in unwanted contact during ketamine treatments at his clinic. His arrest followed an investigation by Glenwood Springs police, who have encouraged additional victims to come forward.

“These cases involve serious breaches of trust between medical professionals and their patients,” the prosecution said in court. “The plea agreement holds Mr. Young accountable while sparing victims from testifying in a lengthy trial.”

---

---

Judge Lynch accepted Young’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for June 26. Each count carries a maximum prison sentence of three years, which could be doubled under aggravated circumstances. Young will also be required to complete a pre-sentence evaluation, which includes psychological and risk assessments.

Young’s attorney, Angela Campbell, confirmed that an evaluator had been selected for the process. Prosecutors reminded the defense team that the report must be submitted in a timely manner to probation services to ensure it is reviewed before sentencing.

Young remains free on a personal recognizance bond and will be required to appear in person for sentencing.

Raulerson disputes pretrial compliance as trial is set

Justin Raulerson, who was arrested in September 2023 following a drug and firearm investigation, also appeared before Lynch on Thursday. Authorities linked Raulerson and two others to a significant narcotics operation in September 2023 following a bust by the Special Problems Enforcement and Response (SPEAR) team.

Investigators seized more than 3,000 fentanyl pills, 226 grams of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and various other controlled substances, along with multiple firearms.

Raulerson’s legal team had previously requested that he be screened for community corrections, but the court rejected the request due to an open case against him in Eagle County.

With that option off the table, Lynch scheduled Raulerson’s trial for Aug. 18-20, with a pretrial conference set for July 17. However, the hearing also focused on Raulerson’s ongoing issues with pretrial services.

Raulerson has repeatedly disputed claims that he is out of compliance, citing confusion between Denver Recovery, where he receives methadone treatment, and probation officers. His attorney explained that he is required to take and pass weekly drug tests as part of his treatment program, yet pretrial services continue to report noncompliance.

“There seems to be a disconnect,” Maytin said. “Mr. Raulerson has maintained that he is testing as required, yet pretrial services does not have the documentation to confirm that.”

Judge Lynch was firm in her response, stating that Raulerson must provide proof of compliance before his next court appearance or risk having his bond revoked.

“I need proof that you’re doing your drug tests,” Lynch said. “If not, I’m revoking your bond.”

Raulerson will return to court on April 17 for a compliance review before his pretrial proceedings begin in July.