Mark Chavez Admits Guilt in Ketamine Distribution
Mark Chavez, a doctor involved in the tragic death of Friends star Matthew Perry, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges linked to the actor’s overdose. The 54-year-old admitted to distributing ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, during a hearing in Los Angeles.
Operated Ketamine Clinic
Chavez, who ran a ketamine clinic, confessed to providing ketamine lozenges to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who then supplied the drugs to Matthew Perry. Chavez’s role in this distribution scheme made him one of five individuals facing charges in connection with the actor’s death.
Matthew Perry’s Death Linked to Ketamine Overdose
Perry was found unresponsive in his backyard jacuzzi in October 2023. An autopsy revealed that Perry had a lethal amount of ketamine in his system, which led to his death. While ketamine is often used to treat depression, anxiety, and pain, it was the primary cause of Perry’s overdose.
Assistant Also Implicated
Court documents show that Chavez worked with Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to supply over $50,000 worth of ketamine to the actor in the weeks before his death. Text messages between the doctors reportedly discussed charging Perry exorbitant fees, with one referring to him as a “moron.”
Plea Agreement and Consequences
Chavez has agreed to cooperate with authorities in exchange for a lesser charge, though he could still face up to 10 years in prison. His attorney confirmed Chavez has accepted responsibility and will cooperate fully. As part of the plea deal, Chavez surrendered his medical license and passport and remains free on bail until sentencing, scheduled for April 2, 2025.
