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

Matthew Perry’s doctor, Mark Chavez has admitted guilt and plead guilty in the investigation surrounding Matthew Perry’s death and could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Doctor Mark Chavez, one of the two doctors charged in relation to Matthew Perry’s death in October 2023, has admitted guilt to conspiracy for distributing ketamine.

Chavez, aged 54, appeared before a federal judge in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 2, where he entered a guilty plea for one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, as reported by the outlet.

He could face a maximum of 10 years in prison, but his sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2025. In the meantime, Chavez is out on a $50,000 bond, according to reports. He has reportedly given up his passport and medical license, agreeing not to engage in any medical practice.

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

“He’s doing everything he can to make amends for this situation. He didn’t take responsibility today, but that was simply because it wasn’t on the agenda,” Binninger explained. When asked what he would convey to Perry’s family if the opportunity arose, Binninger stated, “I can’t really respond to that, except to express our profound sorrow for the loss of life. It’s irrelevant that he was a well-known figure; he was deeply cherished by many. It’s truly tragic what occurred.”

Perry was discovered deceased at the age of 54 in his Pacific Palisades residence on October 28, 2023, following what appeared to be a drowning in his jacuzzi. However, the cause of death for the Friends star was later identified as the “acute effects of ketamine.”

He had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to manage anxiety and depression, with his last session occurring a week and a half prior to his passing. It was found that the ketamine he consumed before his death was not prescribed by a licensed physician. On August 15, Chavez and four others — Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Erik Fleming, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Javeen Sangha, who is referred to as “the Ketamine Queen” — were taken into custody in relation to Perry’s death.

Chavez acknowledged in his plea agreement that he sold ketamine to Plasencia, which included ketamine he had taken from his previous clinic, according to a government press release from August. He also acquired more ketamine to give to Plasencia by making false claims to a wholesale distributor and by submitting a fake prescription under the name of a former patient, without that patient’s knowledge or consent.

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

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a type of anesthetic known for its dissociative properties, which can lead to some hallucinogenic experiences. It alters how users perceive sights and sounds, often leaving them feeling disconnected and out of control. This short-acting injectable anesthetic is used in both humans and animals.

The term “dissociative anesthetic” comes from its ability to make individuals feel detached from their pain and surroundings. When administered, ketamine can create a calming and relaxed state, induce immobility, provide pain relief, and cause amnesia regarding events that occur while under its influence.

Unfortunately, it is sometimes misused for the dissociative sensations and hallucinations it can produce, and it has been linked to instances of sexual assault.