Dr. Mark Chavez, one of two California doctors charged in the overdose death of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry, pleaded guilty to illegally distributing ketamine, Reuters reports.
Chavez admitted obtaining ketamine with a fraudulent prescription intended for another patient, knowing it was meant for Perry. He faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years, with sentencing set for April. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, another doctor charged in the case, and co-defendant Jasveen Sangha, known as the “ketamine queen” and the alleged supplier of the drug, have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to go on trial in March. Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, who injected him with ketamine, has already pleaded guilty.
Perry, who struggled with substance abuse, died at the age of 54 in October 2023 from “acute effects” of ketamine, among other factors. Chavez’s plea deal involves cooperating with prosecutors against Plasencia and Sangha, and he has surrendered his medical license while remaining free on bond until sentencing.
