Doctor charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death pleads guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine

Mark Chavez, one of the physicians implicated in the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine during a court appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday. This plea comes as part of a broader legal arrangement with prosecutors.

Chavez formally admitted to conspiring to distribute ketamine to Perry, who tragically passed away in October 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Perry’s death was due to the “acute effects” of ketamine, compounded by drowning. He was 54 years old at the time of his death.

During the hearing, Chavez solidified his plea agreement, and the judge set a sentencing date for April 2, 2025. He now faces a maximum of ten years in prison, the highest sentence recommended in the plea deal.

Chavez’s legal representation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have been approached for additional comments regarding the case. In a previous court appearance last month, Chavez acknowledged the charges against him and waived his right to a grand jury indictment.

According to court documents, Chavez is accused of supplying Dr. Salvador Plasencia—who is also facing charges in connection with Perry’s death—with the ketamine that was administered to Perry through a fraudulent prescription. Plasencia has entered a not guilty plea.

Chavez and Plasencia are among five individuals charged related to Perry’s death. Other defendants include Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s personal assistant, and Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry. Both Iwamasa and Fleming have been cooperating with the investigation.

Fleming has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and to distribution of ketamine resulting in death. His sentencing date is set for the coming months. Iwamasa, meanwhile, has also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.

In addition to Chavez and Plasencia, Jasveen Sangha, described by prosecutors as running a “drug selling emporium” from her home, has also been charged. Sangha and Plasencia both pleaded not guilty to various charges, including falsifying medical records and conspiracy to distribute drugs.

Sangha and Plasencia are set to be tried together, with the trial scheduled to commence on March 4, 2025. A pretrial hearing is planned for February 19.

Chavez, who obtained his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in 2004, has surrendered his medical license as part of his plea agreement, according to statements from his attorney, Matthew Binninger.

This case has drawn considerable media attention, particularly given Perry’s iconic status as a beloved television star. The investigation into his death has raised serious questions about the distribution of prescription medications and the responsibilities of healthcare providers.

As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will remain on the actions of those involved and the broader implications for medical ethics and drug distribution practices. With sentencing dates approaching for other defendants, the case is expected to unfold further in the coming months.