San Diego Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection to Matthew Perry’s Overdose
A San Diego-based doctor, Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute the surgical anesthetic ketamine in connection with the fatal overdose of beloved “Friends” actor Matthew Perry. Chavez became the third individual to admit guilt in the wake of Perry’s death last year.
Lesser Charges in Exchange for Cooperation
Chavez entered his plea in a federal court in Los Angeles, where prosecutors offered him and two others lesser charges in exchange for their cooperation in targeting two primary suspects believed to be more directly responsible for the overdose: Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, an alleged drug dealer known as the “ketamine queen” of Los Angeles. Both have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
Chavez has surrendered his passport, agreed to forfeit his medical license, and remains free on bond until sentencing. His lawyer, Matthew Binninger, emphasized that Chavez is “incredibly remorseful” and is “trying to do everything in his power to right the wrong that happened here.”
The Plot to Supply Ketamine
According to court documents, Chavez admitted to acquiring ketamine from his former clinic and a wholesale distributor using fraudulent prescriptions. Dr. Plasencia, who facilitated the sale of the drug to Perry, reportedly approached him. Text messages between the two doctors revealed Plasencia’s desire to profit from the transaction, stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” highlighting the disregard for Perry’s well-being.
Chavez’s plea agreement outlines how he met Plasencia in Costa Mesa to deliver at least four vials of ketamine, which were later sold to Perry for $4,500. Plasencia then suggested that they become Perry’s “go-to” suppliers.
The Federal Prosecutors’ Ongoing Investigation
Federal prosecutors are continuing their investigation, seeking to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy and hold all responsible parties accountable. In addition to Chavez’s cooperation, Perry’s assistant and another acquaintance have admitted their involvement in helping Perry obtain ketamine. These individuals are aiding prosecutors in building their case against Plasencia and Sangha.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the doctors exploited Perry’s history of addiction by supplying him with dangerous quantities of ketamine in the months before his death.
Matthew Perry’s Struggles with Addiction
Perry, widely known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends,” had long battled addiction. His assistant found him dead on October 28, 2023, and the medical examiner ruled that ketamine was the primary cause of death. Perry had been using the drug legally for an off-label depression treatment but sought more than his regular doctor was willing to prescribe.
Sentencing Ahead
Dr. Mark Chavez is scheduled for sentencing on April 2, and while he faces up to 10 years in prison, his cooperation with authorities could result in a reduced sentence.