Doctor Charged in Connection with Friends Star Matthew Perry’s Death Pleads Guilty
Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine in a federal court in Los Angeles on October 2, 2024. Chavez is one of the doctors accused of playing a role in Matthew Perry’s death. He admitted to conspiring to distribute ketamine to Perry, which carries a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, or a fine of $500,000.
Chavez previously agreed to surrender his medical license and passport as part of the plea agreement. His attorney, Matthew Binninger, stated that Chavez is “deeply remorseful” and is “accepting responsibility” for the overdose of his patient.
The indictment states that Chavez acquired ketamine by presenting false information and writing a prescription without an unnamed patient’s consent. He also transferred 22 vials of ketamine and nine ketamine lozenges to Dr. Salvador Plasencia for sale to Perry.
Chavez’s plea is part of an ongoing investigation into the death of Matthew Perry, who died on October 28, 2023, from an overdose of ketamine. Other individuals charged in connection with Perry’s death include Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s former live-in assistant, and Erik Fleming, a street dealer who distributed the ketamine that led to Perry’s death.
