LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a significant development concerning the fatal overdose of “Friends” star Matthew Perry, a San Diego doctor has admitted guilt, becoming the third individual to do so as prosecutors build their case. This move signals a crucial step forward as authorities aim to prosecute two primary figures believed to be responsible for Perry’s tragic death.
Dr. Mark Chavez, a 54-year-old physician, entered a guilty plea on Wednesday in a Los Angeles federal court. The felony charge against him is conspiracy to distribute ketamine, a surgical anesthetic. This plea agreement, finalized with prosecutors in July, indicates Chavez’s willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The U.S. Attorneys Office is leveraging Chavez’s cooperation to strengthen its case against Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who is accused of directly providing ketamine to Matthew Perry. Additionally, prosecutors are targeting Jasmine Sangha, allegedly known as the “ketamine queen” of Los Angeles, believed to be the supplier of the fatal dose that led to Perry’s death last year.
During the court proceedings, Dr. Chavez, accompanied by his legal counsel, Matthew Binninger, responded to numerous questions from Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. He formally waived his right to a trial and other legal protections.
Prosecutors meticulously detailed instances where Chavez met with Plasencia between San Diego and Los Angeles. These meetings were allegedly for the transfer of ketamine, which Chavez obtained through fraudulent prescriptions. He confessed to providing a total of 22 5-milliliter vials of ketamine and nine ketamine lozenges.
A palpable moment in the courtroom occurred when the prosecutor described the circumstances of Matthew Perry’s death, causing Chavez to audibly clear his throat.
Judge Garnett directly questioned Chavez, “Are you pleading guilty because you did the things the prosecutors described?”
“Yes, your honor,” Chavez affirmed.
Despite entering a guilty plea, Chavez remains free on bond until his sentencing hearing scheduled for April 2. As part of the conditions of his release, he has surrendered his passport and agreed to relinquish his medical license.
Judge Garnett emphasized that she is not bound by any prior agreements or sentencing recommendations and retains the authority to impose the maximum sentence of 10 years. However, due to his plea and cooperation, a significantly lighter sentence is anticipated.
Outside the courthouse, Chavez’s lawyer, Matthew Binninger, briefly addressed reporters, stating, “Mark entered his plea of guilty and that’s now public record. You accept responsibility and then you set sentencing.”
Adding to the prosecution’s case, Matthew Perry’s assistant has also agreed to cooperate. The assistant has admitted to aiding Perry in obtaining and injecting ketamine. Furthermore, an acquaintance of Perry has confessed to acting as a drug messenger and intermediary in the transactions.
Matthew Perry was tragically found dead by his assistant on October 28, 2023. The official medical examiner’s report cited ketamine as the primary cause of death. Perry had been receiving ketamine treatments from his regular doctor for depression, a legal but off-label use that has gained traction in recent years.
However, Perry began seeking larger quantities of ketamine than his primary physician was willing to prescribe. Approximately a month prior to his death, he connected with Plasencia, who allegedly enlisted Chavez to procure the drug.
Court documents reveal a text message exchange where Plasencia allegedly asked Chavez, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.” According to prosecutors, on the same day, the two doctors met in Costa Mesa, situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, where at least four vials of ketamine were exchanged.
Prosecutors further allege that after selling the ketamine to Perry for $4,500, Plasencia inquired with Chavez about ongoing supply, aiming to become Perry’s regular source.
During Wednesday’s court proceedings, prosecutors detailed another text exchange where Plasencia sought Chavez’s approval of their actions.
Chavez reportedly responded, “Depends on your tolerance for risk.”
When Plasencia raised the idea of establishing a ketamine clinic, Chavez expressed potential interest, contingent on avoiding any “shady stuff.”
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, in announcing the initial charges on August 15, stated that “the doctors preyed on Perry’s history of addiction in the final months of his life last year to provide him with ketamine in amounts they knew were dangerous.”
Matthew Perry openly discussed his long-standing battle with addiction, which began during his rise to fame on “Friends,” where he portrayed Chandler Bing. Alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, Perry became a global star during the show’s ten-season run from 1994 to 2004 on NBC.
