Doctor Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry Overdose Case

Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty to illegally distributing ketamine, contributing to the overdose death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry. Co-defendant Dr. Salvador Plasencia, another accused in the case, pleaded not guilty. Perry's assistant and the alleged ketamine supplier have also admitted guilt. Perry died in October 2023.

Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the two California doctors charged in the overdose death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to illegally distributing ketamine. The plea, entered in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, means Chavez could face up to 10 years in prison at sentencing.

Another physician charged in the case, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, and co-defendant Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'ketamine queen,' have pleaded not guilty. The trial for these two is set for March. Perry's personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and the middleman who procured ketamine from Sangha, have already pleaded guilty.

Court documents reveal Plasencia discussed charging Perry for ketamine and administered the drug, which Perry's assistant then injected. Perry's 2023 death at age 54 resulted from 'acute effects' of ketamine, leading to his loss of consciousness and drowning. The actor's substance abuse issues were well-known, even while starring in the sitcom 'Friends.'

Chavez's attorney, Matt Binninger, said his client was remorseful and cooperating fully. Chavez's regret is driven more by the patient's death rather than Perry's celebrity status.

(With inputs from agencies.)