Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the doctors involved in the ketamine-related death of actor Matthew Perry, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute the drug.
In a Los Angeles federal court, Chavez admitted to the charge as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years. His sentencing is scheduled for April 2024.
Currently out on a $50,000 bond, Chavez has surrendered his passport and agreed to stop practicing medicine. His medical license is expected to be officially revoked, as outlined in the plea deal, which forms the basis for the medical board to file a complaint against him.
The case is part of a broader investigation into Perry’s death, involving multiple arrests. Chavez and another physician, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, were charged, with Plasencia allegedly referring to Perry as a “moron” in emails related to ketamine sales.
Chavez is one of three individuals who have accepted plea deals, alongside Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Erik Fleming, who allegedly facilitated the drug transactions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Plasencia and a co-defendant, Jasveen Sangha—referred to as the “Ketamine Queen”—have pleaded not guilty and are contesting the charges.
Chavez’s lawyer, Matthew Binninger, stated that his client is cooperating fully with authorities and has begun the process of surrendering his medical license.
