Dr. Mark Chavez from San Diego pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine in connection with Matthew Perry’s overdose.
A doctor from San Diego has pleaded guilty in connection with the tragic overdose of actor Matthew Perry. This marks the third guilty plea in a case that prosecutors are using to gather evidence against two main suspects they believe played a significant role in the “Friends” star's death.
Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, entered his plea on Wednesday in a federal court in Los Angeles. He admitted to conspiring to distribute the anesthetic ketamine, following a plea deal reached with prosecutors in July. As part of this agreement, Chavez will assist in the ongoing investigation targeting Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who is accused of directly supplying ketamine to Perry. The other key figure in the case is Jasmine Sangha, identified as a major supplier of ketamine in Los Angeles and linked to the drugs that led to Perry’s death last year.
In court, Chavez, accompanied by his lawyer, responded to numerous questions from Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. He waived his right to a trial and acknowledged his involvement in obtaining ketamine through fraudulent prescriptions. Chavez admitted to providing a total of 22 vials and nine lozenges of ketamine during his meetings with Plasencia in locations between San Diego and Los Angeles.
The courtroom fell silent as prosecutors recounted the events surrounding Perry’s overdose. When asked if he was guilty of the actions described by the prosecution, Chavez replied, “Yes, your honor.”
Chavez remains out on bond until his sentencing on April 2. He has surrendered his passport and agreed to relinquish his medical license, among other stipulations. The judge clarified that while she is not obligated to follow any recommendations, his cooperation could lead to a lighter sentence than the maximum of 10 years.
Following the hearing, Chavez’s attorney, Matthew Binninger, briefly spoke to reporters, stating, “Mark entered his plea of guilty and that’s now public record. You accept responsibility and then you set sentencing.”
In addition to Chavez, federal authorities are also working with Perry’s assistant, who has admitted to helping the actor obtain and use ketamine, and another acquaintance who acted as a middleman for the drug transactions.
Perry was found deceased by his assistant on October 28, 2023. The medical examiner determined that ketamine was a primary factor in his death. Perry had been receiving the drug legally for off-label depression treatment but sought more than his doctor was willing to prescribe. About a month before his death, he contacted Plasencia, who then allegedly enlisted Chavez to help procure the drug.
According to court documents, Plasencia texted Chavez about the financial aspects of their arrangement, and the two met in Costa Mesa, where they exchanged several vials of ketamine. Following this, Plasencia allegedly informed Chavez that they could become Perry’s main suppliers.
During the court proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence of text exchanges that revealed concerns over the risks involved in their dealings. Chavez expressed cautious interest in the possibility of starting a ketamine clinic, as long as it was aboveboard.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized that the doctors took advantage of Perry’s struggle with addiction in the final months of his life, providing him with dangerous amounts of ketamine. Perry’s battle with addiction had been ongoing since his time on “Friends,” where he gained fame as Chandler Bing alongside stars like Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox during the show’s ten-season run from 1994 to 2004.
