Dr. Mark Chavez, one of two doctors charged in relation to the ketamine-related death of actor Matthew Perry has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
Mark Chavez entered his guilty plea during a hearing in Los Angeles federal court on October 2, 2024, according to reports from multiple outlets including the Associated Press, Deadline, and Fox 11.
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| Matthew Perry. Photo: Michael Kovac/FilmMagic |
Mark Chavez ran a ketamine clinic and admitted in a plea agreement to selling the drug to co-defendant Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who then allegedly sold the ketamine to Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.
Iwamasa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, a charge that prosecutors say contributed to Perry’s death on October 28, 2023.
Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, died from acute ketamine effects. Chavez who is currently free on a $50,000 bond, faces up to 10 years in prison for his role in the case and will be sentenced at a later date.
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| Image- NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty |
Five individuals including Chavez were charged as part of the investigation into Perry's death. Dr. Plasencia, the second doctor charged, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges connected to the distribution of ketamine. Another defendant, Iwamasa, has already accepted a plea deal and admitted his role in the distribution of the drug.
Additional charges were filed against Jasveen Sangha who prosecutors have dubbed the "Ketamine Queen." Sangha faces charges that include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug ring, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine. She has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Erik Fleming, another acquaintance of Perry’s, is also involved in the case and has pleaded guilty to related charges. Fleming allegedly acted as a middleman, helping facilitate the purchase of 50 vials of ketamine between Sangha and Iwamasa. The case remains ongoing as the remaining defendants await further court proceedings.