Doctor Charged in Matthew Perry's Death is Expected to Plead Guilty

One of the doctors charged in Matthew Perry's overdose case is expected to plead guilty to illegally distributing ketamine and could face time in prison.

One of the doctors charged in the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry is expected to plead guilty. Mark Chavez, a doctor from California, signed an agreement with prosecutors. 

He will plead guilty to a felony charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Ketamine is a drug used as a short-acting anesthetic and can cause hallucinations.

Chavez is scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday morning to enter his plea. He could face up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced.

Another doctor, Salvador Plasencia, is also involved in this case. Plasencia has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He is accused of buying ketamine from Chavez. Another co-defendant, Jasveen Sangha, is known as the "ketamine queen." She is accused of being an illegal supplier of the drug.

Kenneth Iwamasa, who was Perry's personal assistant, has admitted to injecting the actor with ketamine. Iwamasa and another person involved have already pleaded guilty to their charges in connection to Perry's death.

According to court documents, Plasencia bought ketamine from Chavez. In messages, he talked about how much to charge Perry for the drug. One text read, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.” Plasencia is also said to have given ketamine to Perry. He provided the vials that Iwamasa injected into Perry.

Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54 in October 2023. An autopsy report released in December 2023 showed he died from the "acute effects" of ketamine and other causes. This made him lose consciousness and drown in his spa.

Perry was famous for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular 1990s TV show "Friends." He openly talked about his struggles with drug use throughout his life, even while he was working on the show.

Matt Binninger, Chavez's lawyer, said in August that his client was "doing everything in his power to cooperate." He also mentioned that Chavez feels very sorry for what happened. The lawyer said that Chavez's regret comes not from Perry's fame but from the sad fact that someone trying to get help died.

As the legal process goes on, this case brings up important questions about drug use and the responsibilities of those who give out medications. It also shows the dangers of substance abuse, especially for people in the spotlight.

This case is still developing, and the results could affect everyone involved. Right now, Chavez's plea is an important part of the ongoing legal matters connected to Matthew Perry's tragic death.