Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection to Matthew Perry’s Death

Matthew Perry‘s doctor, Mark Chavez, has pleaded guilty in the investigation tied to the actor’s death in October 2023. Chavez admitted to conspiracy in distributing the surgical anesthetic ketamine, a charge that could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. His sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2025. Currently, Chavez is free on a $50,000 bond and has agreed to surrender his passport and medical license, refraining from any medical practice, as reported by the Associated Press.

The plea agreement was reached during Chavez’s initial appearance in a federal court in Los Angeles on August 30. His attorney, Matthew Binninger, expressed Chavez’s deep remorse for the events leading to Perry’s death. Binninger stated, “He’s doing everything he can to make amends for this situation. It’s irrelevant that he was a well-known figure; he was deeply cherished by many. It’s truly tragic what occurred.”

At the time of his death, Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to manage anxiety and depression. However, it was revealed that the ketamine used was not prescribed by a licensed physician. Chavez admitted in his plea deal that he sold ketamine to another doctor, Salvador Plasencia, and falsely acquired more from a wholesale distributor using the name of a former patient without consent.

Chavez and four others, including Plasencia and a person known as “the Ketamine Queen,” were taken into custody in relation to Perry’s death. Chavez is the third to plead guilty in the case, following Erik Fleming and Kenneth Iwamasa. Meanwhile, Plasencia and Javeen Sangha have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutors argue that Chavez was aware of Plasencia’s lack of experience in treating patients with ketamine. Despite this, Chavez continued to sell ketamine vials to Plasencia. Court documents show Chavez informed Plasencia about the availability of ketamine for sale and engaged in misleading activities to obtain the drug.

Ketamine is used as a short-acting anesthetic known for its dissociative properties, which can lead to hallucinogenic effects and feelings of detachment. While it provides pain relief and a calming effect, misuse of the drug has been reported for its dissociative sensations.