Dr. Mark Chavez, charged in the death of actor Matthew Perry, has pleaded guilty to one count, ABC News reports, citing his attorney Matthew Binninger.
“He (Chavez) is trying to do everything in his power to right the wrong that happened… He’s doing everything in his power to cooperate, to help in this situation, and he’s incredibly remorseful.” – said the lawyer.
According to Binninger, Chavez fully admits his responsibility in the actor’s death. As part of the plea agreement, the defendant also agreed to immediately surrender his medical license.
According to investigators, Perry died from an overdose of ketamine, a painkiller, anesthetic and a sleeping pill. The U.S. Department of Justice clarifies that Chavez, who previously ran a ketamine clinic, sold the drug to another doctor charged in the case of the actor’s death. Salvador Plasenciaknowing Perry would eventually get it. In text messages to Chavez, Plasencia discussed how much money to charge the actor for the ketamine, writing, “I wonder how much this idiot will pay.”
Chavez, in turn, according to the Justice Department, sold ketamine, which he obtained by “writing a fraudulent prescription in the name of a patient without her knowledge or consent” and defrauding the supplier. ABC News, citing the prosecution, says the doctor faces up to 10 years in prison.
Matthew Perry was found dead on October 29, 2023 in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. The actor was 54 years old. In his memoir, he spoke of his struggle with alcohol and drug addiction.
Five people are being investigated in connection with Perry’s death. ABC sources say that in addition to the two doctors, the actor’s assistant is also under investigation. Kenneth Iwamasa“Ketamine Queen” of Los Angeles Jasvin Sangha AND Eric Flemingwho also distributed the drugs.
Perry’s most famous role was as Chandler Bing in the series “Friends,” RBC recalls.
