One of the two doctors implicated in the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute the surgical anesthetic ketamine.
Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in August, making him the third individual to admit guilt following the Canadian actor’s fatal overdose last year. Chavez, who is from San Diego, entered his plea in a Los Angeles federal court on Wednesday.
Prosecutors offered reduced charges to Chavez and two others in exchange for their cooperation as they pursue two individuals they believe are more accountable for Perry’s overdose: another doctor and a suspected dealer known as the “ketamine queen” of Los Angeles.
Chavez had been released on bond after surrendering his passport and medical license, among other conditions.
Perry passed away at 54 in October last year from a fatal overdose of ketamine, which can be used to treat depression. His death shocked the entertainment industry and prompted a seven-month investigation by Los Angeles authorities.
As a result of the investigation, Chavez was arrested alongside Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, an alleged Hollywood drug dealer referred to as the “ketamine queen.”
Plasencia is accused of illegally selling ketamine to Perry in the month leading up to his death, while authorities allege that Sangha supplied the lethal dose.
Both Plasencia and Sangha have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
Also cooperating with federal prosecutors are Perry’s assistant, who admitted to assisting him in obtaining and injecting ketamine, and a friend who acted as a drug intermediary.
Chavez acknowledged in his plea agreement that he obtained ketamine from his former clinic and a wholesale distributor using a fraudulent prescription. His attorney stated in August that Chavez feels “incredibly remorseful” and is committed to making amends for his actions. Following his guilty plea, Chavez faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Perry was found dead by his assistant on October 28, 2023, with the medical examiner later determining that ketamine was the primary cause of death. The actor had been using the drug legally for off-label treatment of depression but sought more than his regular doctor would prescribe. About a month before his death, he turned to Plasencia, who then asked Chavez to procure the drug.
Plasencia texted Chavez, questioning how much they would earn, and they met the same day in Costa Mesa, exchanging at least four vials of ketamine. After selling the drugs to Perry for $4,500, Plasencia inquired about continuing to supply the actor.
Perry had struggled with addiction for many years, which dated back to his time on Friends, where he gained fame as Chandler Bing alongside co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer from 1994 to 2004.
