California doctor involved in the investigation of actor Matthew Perry’s overdose death is expected to plead guilty to charges related to the anesthetic ketamine, according to sources. A Department of Justice official confirmed the information recently.
Mark Chavez, 54, appeared in a Los Angeles federal court for a bond hearing and arraignment. Ciaran McEvoy from the United States Attorneys’ Office stated that Chavez is likely to enter a guilty plea soon, making it the third guilty plea in connection to Perry’s death. The ‘Friends’ actor was found dead in October in the hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home.
The investigation has so far led to the arrest of five people, including Chavez, Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, another doctor named Salvador Plasencia, a drug dealer, and Jasveen Sangha, also known as the ketamine queen. Sangha and Plasencia are the lead defendants in the case.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, which caused cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression. The ketamine level in Perry’s blood was similar to what is used in general anesthesia. Other factors contributing to Perry’s death included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. Chavez also faces charges for using a fake prescription and making false statements to a ketamine distributor.
