Dr. Mark Chavez (54), San Diego based Physician, is one of five people charged in connection with Matthew Perry's fatal overdose, entered a guilty plea during his appearance in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday for illegally distributing drug ketamine. Chavez is the third individual in the case to admit the guilt.
The other two primary suspects involved are Dr. Salvador Plasencia and the illicit supplier of the drug Jasveen Sangha known as “Ketamine Queen” of Los Angeles, has pleaded not guilty and they are scheduled to go on trial in March.
Matthew Perry's personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who is involved in administering drug to perry and an alleged intermediary, who is involved in obtaining ketamine from Sangha have entered guilty pleas regarding their roles.
Chavez revealed in court that he had multiple meetings with Plasencia, traveling between San Diego and Los Angeles to deliver ketamine that he obtained through fraudulent prescriptions. During his plea, he revealed that he handed over a total of 22 5-milliliter vials of ketamine and 9 ketamine lozenges.
Authorities revealed text messages exchanged between Plasencia and Chavez which indicate Plasencia discussing with Chavez regarding the amount to charge for Matthew Perry for the drug ketamine, wrote: "I wonder how much this moron will pay."
According to court documents, Plasencia directly administered ketamine to Matthew Perry and also provided vials that were later injected by Perry's assistant Kenneth. Plasencia's legal representative asserts that the ketamine treatment provided to Matthew Perry was lawfully prescribed and administered.
According to December 2023 autopsy report, Matthew Perry (54) was found dead from “acute effects” of ketamine, which cause him lose consciousness and drown in his backyard jacuzzi in October 2023. Ketamine is the drug used as a treatment for depression, anxiety and pain. Matthew Perry had publicly disclosed his struggles with substance abuse, a challenge he faced throughout his career, including during his tenure on the popular 1990s TV show "Friends."
Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett asked Chavez if his guilty plea was due to committing the acts described by prosecutors. He affirmed, responding, "Yes, your honor."
The plea deal enables Chavez to plead guilty to a lesser offense, contingent upon his continued cooperation with authorities, with potential sentencing ranging up to 10 years.
Matt Binninger, Chavez's legal representative, reported to reporters in August that Chavez is fully cooperating and is profoundly sorry for his actions. He has complied with court conditions by surrendering his passport and relinquishing his medical licensure. Binninger added that his client’s regret arises from the unfortunate circumstance that an individual seeking treatment succumbed, unrelated to the patient's celebrity status.
Chavez, currently released on bond, is scheduled for sentencing on 2 April 2025.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)