Physician Admits Guilt in Ketamine Distribution Conspiracy Linked to Matthew Perry's Death

Mark Chavez, one of the duo of physicians implicated in the demise of "Friends" star Matthew Perry, has confessed to a single count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine under a plea deal during a Wednesday court session in Los Angeles. In line with the accord, Chavez admitted to the conspiracy of distributing ketamine to Perry, whose life ended in October 2023 due to the "acute effects" of the anesthetic followed by drowning, as per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy findings. Perry was 54.

Chavez solidified his plea agreement with the prosecution during the hearing. The judge scheduled his sentencing for April 2, 2025. Chavez could face up to a decade behind bars, the maximum sentence advised in the plea bargain. CNN has sought comments from Chavez’s legal representative and the US Attorney’s Office.

In a previous court appearance, Chavez recognized the allegations and renounced his right to a grand jury indictment. The accusation against Chavez involves supplying Dr. Salvador Plasencia—who is also indicted in Perry's death and has entered a not guilty plea—with the ketamine provided to Perry via a fraudulent prescription, according to court records.

Plasencia and Chavez are part of a group of five individuals charged in connection with the actor's tragic passing. Perry’s personal aide, Kenneth Iwamasa, and a friend, Erik Fleming, were also charged and have shown cooperation with the legal authorities. Fleming, who admitted to a count each of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death, and Iwamasa, who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, have upcoming sentencing dates.

Jasveen Sangha—alleged by prosecutors to have operated a "drug selling emporium" from her residence—and Plasencia have entered not guilty pleas to charges including falsification of medical records and conspiracy to distribute. Sangha and Plasencia will face trial jointly, with proceedings scheduled to commence on March 4, 2025, and a pretrial hearing slated for February 19.

Chavez earned his medical credentials in 2004 from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, as noted on his website promoting personalized health services. He has relinquished his medical license in line with the plea deal, his attorney Matthew Binninger stated earlier.

Contributions to this report were made by CNN’s Taylor Romine, Cheri Mossburg, Nick Watt, and Jack Hannah.