A San Diego doctor pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine in connection with the death of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry.
Mark Chavez, 54, appeared in court before Judge Jean Rosenbluth in Los Angeles and pleaded to conspiring to distribute ketamine to Perry. Despite the plea deal, Chavez, who was part of a group federally charged in Perry’s death in August, faces up to 10 years in prison upon his sentencing, which will take place on April 2, 2025.
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. Perry was found dead in his jacuzzi at his home in Pacific Palisades, California nearly a year ago this month.
The other individuals charged in connection with Perry’s death include the actor’s live-in personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, 60, and Erik Fleming, 54, a friend of Perry’s who authorities described as a “street dealer.” Both have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Also charged is Jasveen Sangha, 41, an alleged drug dealer known as the “ketamine queen” who has pleaded not guilty.
In his initial appearance in September, Chavez surrendered his medical license and agreed not to practice medicine. remaining free on a $50,000 bond.
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