Mark Chavez, one of two doctors charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death, has reached a plea agreement in Los Angeles County that bars him from practicing medicine. His attorney said he is “deeply remorseful.” Chavez previously pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring to distribute ketamine, which was found in the actor’s blood.
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In June, Los Angeles police reported that is investigating how Matthew Perry obtained ketamine-containing drugs, which was found in his body after death.
In mid-August, five people were charged in the case, including his assistant and two doctors. According to the prosecutor's office, the doctors wondered among themselves “how much this idiot would pay” for the drug, selling him a $12 vial for $2,000.
The doctor reached a settlement and lost the opportunity to practice his profession.
Reuters reported that one of the two doctors, Dr. Mark Chavez, was disbarred on Friday and expressed remorse through his lawyer.
Mark Chavez appeared in federal court in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon
The doctor had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. He has now reached a plea agreement in that case. As part of the agreement, in exchange for not going to jail, he was barred from practicing medicine and surrendered his medical license. He was also ordered to pay $50,000 bail.
The next hearing is expected in October. Chavez faces up to 10 years in prison.
Matthew PerryPAP/PA
Doctor's lawyer: My client is very remorseful
“My client is taking responsibility. He's doing everything he can to cooperate (with the justice system – ed.), to help in this situation. He's very contrite,” said his attorney Matt Binninger.
The attorney added that Chavez's regret stemmed not from Perry's fame but from the fact that “someone who was trying to seek treatment died.”
“The lawyer declined to discuss details of the case. Chavez stood next to his lawyer, eyes downcast, but did not comment,” Reuters reported.
Dr. Mark Chavez outside a Los Angeles courthouse on August 30, 2024. BACKGRID / Backgrid USA / Forum
He died in a hot tub
54-year-old Perry He died in October 2023 in a hot tub at his home. in Pacific Palisades. The medical examiner said trace amounts of ketamine, sometimes used to treat depression, were found in his stomach.
An autopsy showed that his blood levels were similar to those used during general anesthesia. “Given the high levels of ketamine detected in his postmortem blood samples, the primary fatal effects would have been both circulatory overstimulation and respiratory depression,” the report said.
Main image source: BACKGRID / Backgrid USA / Forum