Doctor Involved in Matthew Perry's Death Expected to Plead Guilty

According to THR, a Justice Department official said that Mark Chavez, 54, one of the doctors being investigated for the death of actor Matthew Perry, is expected to plead guilty in the coming weeks. Mark is charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine, a surgical anesthetic.

Chavez is scheduled to appear in federal court Friday afternoon for an initial bail hearing and arraignment, but is expected to plead guilty.

In August, Los Angeles police arrested two people accused of involvement in Perry's death. In addition to the arrests, police charged three more individuals in the case.

If Chavez does plead guilty as expected, it would be the third guilty plea to emerge from the investigation into the actor's death. The star, best known for playing Chandler on “Friends,” was found dead in his hot tub in October 2023.

The Death of Matthew Perry

Actor and screenwriter Matthew was battling depression and anxiety while taking ketamine. However, the actor was found dead in his home after drowning due to an overdose caused by high levels of the drug.

Accused doctor just pleaded guilty

The website “The Mirror Us” published in a few hours that Dr. Mark Chavez has just taken the blame for the death of actor Perry. According to the website, Chavez agreed to work with prosecutors in searching for other people involved. The doctor allegedly admitted that he obtained ketamine from his former clinic, as if it were a wholesale distribution. In order to obtain the medication, Chavez issued false prescriptions.

_{Mark Chavez, a San Diego doctor charged in connection with the accidental ketamine overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, is surrounded by members of the media as he arrives at the Royal Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles on Friday. (Photo: Damian Dorvaganes / AP Photo)}

According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's office given to ABC7, “Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and signed a plea agreement. At his arraignment, Judge Rosenbluth will set a date for Chavez’s change of plea proceedings — or direct the parties to contact the chambers of the federal district judge assigned to the case to set a hearing date.“.

Chavez supplied the medication to the actor's personal physician, Salvador Plasencia, who passed the drug on to Matthew Perry.

Featured photo: Matthew Perry (Reproduction/Instagram/@mattyperry4)