Judge allows plea deal for doctor charged in Matthew Perry's ketamine death
Dr. Mark Chavez, who was charged in connection with the accidental overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, is set to plead guilty Friday to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
LOS ANGELES — A federal judge on Friday allowed a plea agreement to move forward between prosecutors and a San Diego doctor who is expected to plead guilty in connection with the accidental overdose death of actor Matthew Perry.
During his first appearance in a Los Angeles court, Mark Chavez, 54, was arraigned on one count of conspiring to distribute ketamine. He is set to plead guilty at a later date. In the meantime, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jean Rosenbluth allowed Chavez's release on a $50,000 unsecured bond with certain conditions, including surrendering his passport and agreeing to no longer practice medicine.
"I do agree to obey to all conditions," Chavez, who could face up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced, told the judge.
Chavez is one of five defendants, including another doctor, accused of procuring and supplying ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, to Perry during the final weeks of his life. The "Friends" star had been utilizing ketamine infusion therapy before his death in October.
Outside of court Friday ahead of the hearing, Chavez's lawyer, Matthew Binninger, said his client was "incredibly remorseful."
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