Doctor pleads guilty in connection with death of Friends star Matthew Perry-Brooke Ivey Johnson-Entertainment – Metro

Dr Mark Chavez has plead guilty in relation to Matthew Perry’s death (Picture: AP)

A doctor linked to Matthew Perry’s ketamine use – which contributed to his death – has plead guilty.

Dr Mark Chavez, 54, appeared in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday to enter his plea of guilty, possibly facing up to 10 years in prison.

The doctor was charged with conspiring to distribute the surgical anesthetic ketamine.

Dr Chavez, of San Diego, signed a plea agreement with prosecutors in August and is now the third person to plead guilty in relation to Perry’s death.

The doctor is now free on bond, though he is unable to leave the country and no longer has a medical license, among other conditions.

Chavez’s lawyer, Matthew Binninger, previously said that Chavez was ‘incredibly remorseful’ and is ‘trying to do everything in his power to right the wrong that happened here.’

Perry played Chandler in the beloved sitcom Friends (Picture: Warner Bros/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)

The Friends actor was found dead aged 54 in October 2023, causing an outpouring of grief from his colleagues and fans. His death was attributed to drowning and the ‘acute effects’ of ketamine.

According to court documents, Perry was taking ketamine 6 to 8 times a day in the time leading up to his death, which was provided to him by a ‘network of corrupt doctors,’ according to his ex-girlfriend and close friend.

Five people have been charged in connection with his death including his live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, Doctor Jasveen Sangha aka ‘The Ketamine Queen’, Doctor Salvador Plasencia, Doctor Mark Chavez, and a street dealer Erik Fleming.

Prosecutors offered lesser charges to Chavez and two others in exchange for their cooperation as they go after who they believe to be bigger contributors in the actor’s death.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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