Guilty Plea in High-Profile Case
In a significant development in the case surrounding the tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, Dr. Mark Chavez has pleaded guilty in a Los Angeles court. Chavez, 54, admitted to conspiring to distribute the surgical anesthetic ketamine, a key factor in the actor’s overdose.
Chavez, who operated a ketamine clinic, was implicated in supplying ketamine lozenges to Dr. Salvador Plasencia. These were ultimately provided to Perry, renowned for his role in the iconic NBC sitcom “Friends.” Perry was found deceased in his Southern California home jacuzzi in October 2023, at the age of 54.
Investigation findings
A post-mortem examination revealed a lethal concentration of ketamine in Perry’s system, attributing his death to the “acute effects” of the substance. Ketamine, while often used for treating depression, anxiety, and pain, played a fatal role in this instance.
Fraudulent activities and text exchanges
Chavez’s plea agreement included admissions of obtaining ketamine through fraudulent prescriptions from his clinic and a wholesale distributor. Prosecutors highlighted that Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, collaborated with the two doctors to procure over $50,000 worth of the drug for Perry in the weeks leading up to his death.
Text exchanges between the doctors discussing financial negotiations with Perry were brought to light, with one message stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”
Legal consequences and cooperation
Chavez’s cooperation with the investigation has led to a plea for a lesser charge, though he still faces a potential 10-year prison sentence. “He has accepted responsibility. He is cooperating,” his attorney informed the court.
Chavez has surrendered his passport and agreed to relinquish his medical license, remaining free on bail until his sentencing on April 2, 2025.