Doctor charged in Matthew Perry's overdose death pleads guilty
A California doctor pleaded guilty Wednesday in a deal with federal prosecutors over the fatal overdose of “Friends” star Matthew Perry last year.
A California doctor pleaded guilty Wednesday in a deal with federal prosecutors over the fatal overdose of “Friends” star Matthew Perry last year.
Mark Chavez, 54, appeared before U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in a Los Angeles court and pleaded to conspiring to distribute ketamine to Perry. Even with a plea deal, Chavez faces up to 10 years in prison upon his sentencing, which will take place on April 2.
Chavez had already surrendered his passport and agreed to no longer practice medicine. He will remain out on bond.
According to an 18-count indictment filed in August, Chavez is one of five individuals charged in connection with Perry's accidental overdose. The star actor was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home in October 2023.
Chavez, who had operated a ketamine clinic, sold ketamine lozenges to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, who then distributed them to Perry. Plasencia, a Santa Monica-based physician known as “Dr. P,” has pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
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