Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine in connection with the death of Matthew Perry.
The San Diego doctor entered the guilty plea Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court. Mr. Chavez was one of three people who cooperated with authorities in their investigation of two other people accused of Mr. Perry's ketamine overdose.
Chavez could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Doctor charged with Matthew Perry's ketamine overdose remains free of medical treatment on bail
Dr. Mark Chavez and criminal defense attorney Matthew Binninger arrive for the Oct. 2 rescheduled plea hearing. (AP Photo/Damien Dovarganes)
Dr. Mark Chavez signed a plea agreement in August. (AP Photo/Damien Dovarganes)
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jean P. Rosenbluth previously announced in a court hearing on Aug. 30 that Chavez would be released on bail with several restrictions, including that he must surrender his passport and not work as a doctor. The court ruled that he could remain free.
Dr. Mark Chavez's attorney, Matthew Binninger, told reporters outside the courthouse that Dr. Chavez is “incredibly remorseful for what happened. Not just for what happened to Matthew Perry, but for what happened to his patients.” Because he's trying to do everything.” In his power to right the wrong that happened here. ”
San Diego physician Dr. Mark Chavez arrived at Roybal Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles on August 30th. (Related news organizations)
Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news
Matthew Perry died in October 2023 from “the acute effects of ketamine.” (Greg DeGuire)
perry's death His autopsy, completed on Oct. 29, said his Oct. 28 death was caused by “the acute effects of ketamine.” Drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine have been cited as contributing factors.
As part of his plea agreement, Chavez agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. The San Diego-based doctor admitted to selling ketamine to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, including ketamine diverted from his previous clinic.
Chavez previously ran a ketamine clinic and allegedly submitted false prescriptions in the names of former patients to secure ketamine. Plasencia allegedly taught Perry's assistant how to inject Perry with drugs.
Matthew Perry rose to fame as Chandler Bing on Friends. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal, Getty Images)
According to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Perry had been looking for an additional source of ketamine for a month before his death after his primary care physician refused to give him more doses.
Perry ran into Placencia, who reached out to Chavez for ketamine. According to court documents, Ms. Plasencia texted Mr. Chavez, saying, “I wonder how much this idiot is going to pay.'' “Let's find out.”
According to the indictment, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Queen of Ketamine,” rented a home in North Hollywood for the purpose of manufacturing, storing, and distributing controlled substances. (U.S. Attorney's Office)
Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter
Some of the ketamine lozenges obtained by Matthew Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, came from fraudulent prescriptions written by Dr. Mark Chavez. (U.S. Attorney's Office)
Plasencia has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Three other people were also charged in connection with Perry's death. Actor's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, “Ketamine Queen” Jasveen Sangha, and matchmaker Eric Fleming. Both Mr. Iwamasa and Mr. Fleming accepted plea deals, but Mr. Sangha maintains his innocence and will face a joint trial with Mr. Plasencia.
The Ketamine Queen was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining a drug-related facility, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five drug charges. He was indicted. Ketamine distribution.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
