One of Matthew Perry's doctors pleads guilty in 'Friends' actor's death

Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the defendants in the case related to the death of actor Matthew Perry, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. During his court appearance in Los Angeles, the 54-year-old doctor accepted responsibility for distributing the substance, which the investigation said was a key factor in the death of the "Friends" star.

Chavez could face up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 2, 2025 although his cooperation with authorities could significantly reduce his sentence.

Perry, 54, was found dead in his Los Angeles home on October 28 last year by his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. The coroner's report determined that ketamine was the primary cause of his death. 

The ketamine distribution network

In addition to Dr. Chavez, the case has implicated four others: Iwamasa; actor Eric Fleming, a close friend of Perry; Salvador Plasencia, another physician known as "Dr. P," and Jasveen Sangha, nicknamed the "Ketamine Queen."

Iwamasa and Fleming already admitted their guilt as part of this investigation. Iwamasa acknowledged that he injected Perry with ketamine several times, including on the day he died, despite not being a medical professional. Fleming, 54, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine which led to Perry's death.

A ketamine trafficking ring

Chavez, according to court documents, worked in conjunction with Salvador Plasencia to supply large amounts of ketamine to Perry, who used it six to eight times a day to treat his depression and anxiety. Plasencia, in a message revealed during the investigation, referred to Perry with derogatory comments, such as, "I wonder how much this moron will pay" and "let's find out."

According to the investigation, Plasencia diverted ketamine from a clinic in Santa Monica with Chavez's help, while Sangha allegedly sold the drug to Perry for $11,000 in cash. Plasencia will be tried on March 4 next year and faces a maximum sentence of 120 years in federal prison, while Sangha could face life in prison.