Matthew Perry's Doc, Mark Chavez Guilty in Death Probe

Matthew Perry's doctor, Mark Chavez, has admitted his guilt and pleaded guilty in the investigation into Matthew Perry's death. He faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Doctor Mark Chavez, one of two doctors charged in connection with Matthew Perry's death in October 2023, has admitted guilt in a conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

Dr. Mark Chavez

Chavez, 54, appeared before a federal judge in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 2, where he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, the newspaper reported.

He faces a maximum of ten years in prison, but his sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2025. Meanwhile, Chávez is reportedly free on $50,000 bail. He reportedly surrendered his passport and medical license and agreed not to practice medicine.

Chavez agreed to a plea deal during his first appearance in federal court in Los Angeles on August 30. He entered into a deal to plead guilty to conspiracy charges related to the distribution of the surgical anesthetic ketamine, the Associated Press reported. His lawyer, Matthew Binningerexpressed that Chavez feels deep remorse, not only for what happened to Matthew Perry, but also for its impact on a patient.

“He is doing everything he can to make this situation right. He didn’t take responsibility today, but that was simply because it wasn’t on the agenda,” explained Binninger. Asked what he would say to Perry's family if given the opportunity, Binninger replied: “I can't really answer that other than to express our deep sadness at the loss of life.” It doesn't matter that he was a well-known personality; He was very much appreciated by many. It’s really tragic what happened.”

Perry was found dead at his Pacific Palisades residence on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, after apparently drowning in his hot tub. However, the Friends star's cause of death was later identified as the “acute effects of ketamine.”

He had undergone ketamine infusion therapy Coping with anxiety and depressionHis last meeting took place a week and a half before his death. It was discovered that the ketamine he took before his death had not been prescribed by a licensed physician. On August 15, Chavez and four others – Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Erik Fleming, Kenneth Iwamasa and Javeen Sangha, who is known as “the ketamine queen” – were taken into custody in connection with Perry’s death.

According to an August government press release, Chavez admitted in his plea agreement that he sold ketamine to Plasencia, including ketamine he had taken from his previous clinic. He also acquired more ketamine to give to Plasencia by making false statements to a wholesaler Submitting a fake prescription under the name of a former patient, without their knowledge or consent.

Prosecutors argued that Chavez was aware that Plasencia had minimal, if any, experience treating patients with ketamine, according to court documents filed. Nevertheless, Chavez informed Plasencia that he had vials of ketamine available for sale. Chavez is the third person to plead guilty in the case, following Iwamasa, 59, and Fleming, 54. Meanwhile, Sangha, 41, and Plasencia have both pleaded not guilty.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an anesthetic known for its dissociative properties, which can lead to some side effects hallucinogenic experiences. It changes and often abandons the way users perceive images and sounds feeling disconnected and out of control. This short-acting injectable anesthetic is used in both humans and animals.

The term “dissociative anesthetic” is derived from its ability to cause emotions in people detached from her pain and surroundings. When administered, ketamine can produce a sedative and relaxed state, produce immobility, reduce pain, and produce amnesia regarding events that occur under its influence.

Unfortunately, it is sometimes abused because of the dissociative sensations and hallucinations it can cause, and it has been linked to cases of this sexual assault.