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Shocking Discovery in the Investigation of Matthew Perry's Death


Dr Mark Chavez, center, arrives at the Roybal federal courthouse in Los Angeles, California, on 30 August. Photograph: Damian Dovarganes/AP
Dr Mark Chavez, center, arrives at the Roybal federal courthouse in Los Angeles, California, on 30 August. Photograph: Damian Dovarganes/AP

In a startling turn of events, Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the two doctors charged in the investigation of actor Matthew Perry's death, has pleaded guilty in a federal court in Los Angeles to conspiring to distribute the surgical anesthetic ketamine. The 54-year-old from San Diego signed a plea agreement with prosecutors in August and is now the third person to plead guilty in connection with Perry's fatal overdose last year.


Prosecutors have struck deals with Chavez and two others, offering lesser charges in exchange for their cooperation as they target two primary suspects they believe are more responsible for Perry's death: another doctor and an alleged dealer known as the "ketamine queen" of Los Angeles. Chavez is currently out on bond after surrendering his passport and medical license, among other conditions.


According to Chavez's lawyer, Matthew Binninger, Chavez is deeply remorseful and is determined to make amends for his actions. He acknowledged obtaining ketamine from his former clinic and a wholesale distributor through a fraudulent prescription.


Chavez, who faces up to 10 years in prison following his guilty plea, is assisting prosecutors in their case against Dr. Salvador Plasencia, accused of illegally selling ketamine to Perry, and Jasveen Sangha, the woman alleged to have provided the lethal dose of ketamine to the actor. Both Plasencia and Sangha have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.


The investigation revealed that Perry had been using ketamine for depression treatment obtained through his regular doctor, but sought more of the drug than prescribed. About a month before his death, he connected with Plasencia through Chavez to acquire ketamine. Text messages between Plasencia and Chavez indicated a casual attitude towards the drug exchange, with Plasencia expressing a desire to continue supplying Perry with ketamine.


Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show "Friends," was found dead by his assistant on October 28. The medical examiner determined ketamine as the primary cause of death. Perry's struggles with addiction spanned years, with the actor grappling with substance abuse during his time on the hit sitcom alongside co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.


Stay tuned as the investigation continues to unfold and accountability is sought in the aftermath of this tragic loss.

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