Doctor charged in Matthew Perry’s death takes plea deal, feels ‘incredibly remorseful’ for what happened
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a significant development in the case surrounding Matthew Perry's tragic death, Dr Mark Chavez, one of two doctors charged, has agreed to a plea deal and will soon plead guilty to a drug-related charge.
On August 30, Chavez of San Diego appeared at the Roybal Federal Courthouse for his arraignment as one of the five individuals accused in connection with the death of the 'Friends' actor at age 54.
The charge relates to the administration of three ketamine injections to Perry leading to his tragic death on October 28, 2023.
Mark Chavez 'incredibly remorseful' of what happened
Mark Chavez faces a charge of conspiring to distribute ketamine. He reportedly admitted selling the drug to Dr Salvador Plasencia, who allegedly provided it to Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.
According to People, appearing before US Magistrate Judge Jean Rosenbluth, Chavez acknowledged his understanding of his rights as the judge allowed his plea deal with prosecutors to move forward.
The court permitted Chavez to remain free on a $50,000 unsecured bond, subject to conditions such as surrendering his medical license and passport.
His attorney, Matthew Binninger, said Chavez was full of remorse for what he had done.
"He is trying to do everything in his power to right the wrong that happened here. He is doing everything in his power to cooperate, to help in this situation, and he's incredibly remorseful."
"He’s doing everything in his power to cooperate and help with this situation," he continued, adding that Perry was "universally beloved" and his death was a profound loss.
Mark Chavez's web of deceit
Despite Mark Chavez formally pleading not guilty during the August 30 proceedings, he is expected to change his plea to guilty at an upcoming hearing.
According to reports, Chavez could face a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Federal prosecutors have painted a troubling picture, alleging that Matthew Perry was exploited by all the accused, leading to a tragic relapse and his untimely death on October 28, 2023.
Chavez's plea agreement reveals a deeper web of deceit. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, according to prosecutors.
In his plea agreement, Chavez admitted to selling ketamine to Dr Plasencia. He also operated a ketamine clinic and diverted some of the ketamine from the clinic for unauthorized distribution.
Prosecutors further allege that he procured ketamine through fraudulent prescriptions in a former patient’s name and deceived a wholesale distributor with false information.
Besides Chavez, the other four accused in the case are Dr Salvador Plasencia, Chavez's associate; Jasveen Sangha, accused of distributing the ketamine linked to Perry’s death; Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant; and Erik Fleming, an acquaintance who allegedly orchestrated the ketamine deal.
Together, they form a tangled web of individuals now facing the consequences of their actions in the wake of Perry’s tragic death.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the medical examiner’s report revealed that a psychiatrist and an anesthesiologist, who was also Perry’s primary care physician, were treating him in October, though neither were named in the recent indictments.
Perry’s death was caused by a lethal dose of ketamine, leading to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.
The ketamine levels in his blood were similar to those used during general anesthesia.
The primary cause of death was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used for opioid treatment.
