Lawyer: Doctor ‘Deeply Remorseful’ over Death of Actor Matthew Perry
Dr. Mark Chavez, left of center in a suit jacket and tie over yellow G-shorts, with attorneys Bechaure & Alonso during his initial appearance Sept. 25 for being charged as part of the death investigation into Matthew Perry’s ketamine-related death. THE lawyer representing one of two physicians facing criminal charges pertaining to Matthew Perry’s fatal episode involving ketamine said on Friday that his client is “deeply remorseful” about what transpired at the time Dr. Mark Chavez appeared before court.
Federal prosecutors have said Dr. Chavez agreed to plead guilty to a single conspiracy count of distributing ketamine. Gaynor was in a Los Angeles federal courtroom Friday afternoon for his arraignment. Chavez answered the judge’s questions in English, acknowledging he faces four charges.
Chavez’s attorney, Matthew Binninger, told reporters following the arraignment that Chavez “is doing everything he can to make right what happened.” He accepts full blame for any and all role in causing the death of Mr. Perry, feels guilty beyond words at what has occurred subsequent to his leaving Fort Gay High School, but despite owning up to wrongdoing chose not to have those close him pay off potential witnesses or exert pressure on other school officials [as we document tomorrow].
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Chavez has also agreed to voluntarily and immediately surrender his medical license. He formally entered a not guilty plea during his Friday arraignment, but that he is expected to change their plea in October so Chavez can plead guilty as part of the deal Binninger said. Chavez faces a maximum prison term of 10 years.
Chavez is one of five people charged with federal offenses after Perry died from a ketamine overdose on October 28, 54. The ‘Friends’ star was discovered in an unresponsive state inside a hot tub at his home, located in the Los Angeles Countryside of Topanga. A follow-up autopsy revealed that his death is the result of how ketamine works in acute stage.
According to the Department of Justice, Chavez was part a criminal network that took advantage of Perry’s addiction and sold him ketamine by illegal means. Chavez also admitted that she sold ketamine to Plasencia, a licensed physician and long-time acquaintance who would then distribute it to Perry.
Jasveen Sangha and Plasencia face the harshest charges in connection with Perry’s 2020 death, as Sanghap is alleged to have sold the ketamine used by Perry on that fateful night. Both have pleaded not guilty. Eric Fleming, charged with distributing the ketamine that killed PerryKenneth Iwamasa – pictured here on his Facebook page -admitted to administering the ketamine in early JuneKENNETH IWAMASAPERRY’S LIVE-IN ASSISTANT Fleming has already pleaded guilty, and Iwamasa did the same; both are awaiting sentencing.
According to the plea agreement, Plasencia contacted Chavez on September 30, 2023, about obtaining ketamine for Perry, who was “willing to pay a premium.” Chavez confirmed that he had the drug and sent Plasencia a photo of ketamine lozenges, agreeing to transfer them in exchange for money.
Chavez previously ran a ketamine infusion clinic in San Diego but left in July 2023 after a dispute with his business partner. He retrieved all prescription drugs, including ketamine, from the clinic, and took 30 ketamine lozenges after submitting a fraudulent prescription, the plea agreement states.
Chavez and Plasencia met three times in September and October 2023 as part of the scheme. Chavez transferred at least 22 vials of liquid ketamine and nine lozenges, knowing they were intended for Perry.
After their first exchange on September 30, Plasencia texted Chavez, describing his subsequent meeting with Perry as “like a bad movie,” according to the agreement.
Following their third meeting on October 10, Chavez learned that Plasencia had allegedly dosed Perry in a car parked in a public lot near an aquarium in Long Beach. Chavez reprimanded Plasencia for dosing someone in such a public place, the plea agreement states.
On October 12, 2023, Chavez was informed that the California Medical Board was investigating allegations related to his former ketamine clinic. At that point, Chavez told Plasencia that he could no longer obtain additional ketamine for Perry.
On October 19, 2023, Chavez was interviewed by the DEA and admitted to the fraudulent prescription but claimed to have discarded the ketamine lozenges. He did not, however, disclose his involvement with Plasencia.
After Perry’s death on October 28, 2023, Chavez called Plasencia to discuss whether he was concerned about the incident. Plasencia reportedly expressed no worry because he hadn’t seen Perry for a couple of weeks, the agreement states.
The next hearing in Plasencia’s case is scheduled for September 4, and a plea deal is possible, according to his attorney.
Lawyer: Doctor ‘Deeply Remorseful’ over Death of Actor Matthew Perry 2024
Dr.
Mark Chavez, accompanied by attorneys Bechaure & Alonso, expressed deep remorse during his initial court appearance on September 25. Charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s ketamine-related death, Chavez is deeply remorseful for the events that unfolded.
