Dr. Mark Chavez, one of two doctors implicated in Matthew Perry’s death investigation pleaded guilty in federal court in Los Angeles on October 2, 2024, to conspiring to distribute ketamine. He signed a plea deal with prosecutors in August 2024 becoming the third individual to plead guilty in Perry’s death.
According to The Guardian, prosecutors reduced charges for Chavez and two others in exchange for cooperation. He was released on bond after surrendering his passport and medical license. Following his initial court appearance on August 30, 2024, his lawyer, Matthew Binninger, mentioned that Chavez expressed deep remorse and was committed to making amends.
In his plea agreement, Chavez admitted to acquiring ketamine from his former clinic and a wholesale distributor by submitting a fraudulent prescription. He appeared in court with his lawyer and responded to the questions from Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. He consented to waive his right to a trial and other legal rights.
Nevertheless, Chavez could still face ten years in prison. He was released on bail until his sentencing scheduled for April 2, 2025. Federal prosecutors received cooperation from Matthew Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa who admitted to assisting the actor in obtaining and injecting ketamine. An acquaintance of Perry also confessed to acting as a drug middleman.
These individuals were aiding in the case against Dr. Salvador Plasencia, accused of illegally selling ketamine to Matthew Perry in the month leading up to his death, and Jasveen Sangha, who allegedly sold the actor the fatal dose. Both Plasencia and Sangha pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
Matthew Perry was supplied hazardous quantity of ketamine
The actor was found dead by his assistant on October 28, 2023. The medical examiner determined that ketamine was the primary cause of death. The post-mortem examination revealed a high concentration of ketamine in his blood and noted its "acute effects" on him. Perry was using the drug legally through his doctor for an off-label treatment for depression.
However, authorities revealed that Matthew Perry began seeking additional ketamine beyond what his doctor prescribed. About a month before his death, he connected with Dr. Plasencia, who then enlisted Chavez to supply the drug. The actor’s assistant reportedly worked with the two doctors to supply the actor with over $50,000 worth of ketamine in the weeks leading up to his death.
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Reportedly, Plasencia texted Chavez, questioning how much money Matthew Perry would pay. The two met the same day in Costa Mesa where they exchanged four vials of ketamine. After selling the drugs to Perry for $4,500, Plasencia inquired whether he could continue supplying the drugs to make himself Perry's primary source.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, during the announcement of the charges on August 15, 2024, stated that the doctors exploited Matthew Perry's history of addiction during the final months of his life by supplying him with ketamine in quantities they recognized were hazardous. The actor had battled addiction for years, a struggle that began during his time on Friends.
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