Los Angeles, California – A doctor involved in the drug-related death of actor Matthew Perry has changed his plea to guilty. Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, admitted in a Los Angeles court to conspiring to distribute the surgical anaesthetic ketamine. The actor, known for his role on the sitcom Friends, was found dead in his backyard jacuzzi in southern California in October 2023. A post-mortem examination revealed a high concentration of ketamine in his blood, resulting in his death.
Chavez ran a ketamine clinic and provided ketamine lozenges to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who then supplied them to Perry. Prosecutors revealed that Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, worked with the two doctors to supply the actor with over $50,000 worth of ketamine in the weeks leading up to his death. The indictment also showed that the doctors exchanged texts about how much to charge Perry for the drug, displaying a callous attitude towards the actor’s well-being.
In his plea agreement, Chavez confessed to obtaining ketamine through fraudulent means from his clinic and a wholesale distributor. Despite cooperating with the investigation, Chavez could still face up to 10 years in prison. His attorney stated in court that Chavez has taken responsibility for his actions and is cooperating with authorities. Chavez has surrendered his passport and agreed to immediately relinquish his medical license. He is currently out on bail and is scheduled for sentencing on April 2, 2025.
Ketamine is utilized for treating depression, anxiety, and pain, making its illegal distribution and use in Perry’s case particularly troubling. The actor’s tragic death has brought to light the dangers of illegal drug distribution in the medical field. The guilty plea from Chavez highlights the consequences of unethical practices within the healthcare industry. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for Matthew Perry and holding those responsible for his death accountable.