Actor Sam Jones Iii only agreed to take part in a dangerous drug deal to help a pal pay off a debt to a Mexican criminal cartel, according to court documents.
The former Smallville star has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to supply drugs while involved with a narcotics ring, which saw a gang allegedly attempt to sell more than 10,000 oxycodone pills, a highly potent painkiller.
He is set to be sentenced on 22 June (11) and is facing up to 20 years in jail, but in new court papers obtained by Tmz.com, the actor allegedly claims he felt compelled to take part in the drug operation to help his friend Tom Cataloni pay off a $90,000 (£56,000) debt to dealers.
In the document, Jones also insists he should be handed a reduced sentence as he only played a "minor role" in the gang's activities, the website reports.