One of two doctors charged in connection to Matthew Perry's death officially pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday (October 2).
According to TMZ, Dr. Mark Chavez (who no longer obtains a medical license) could face prison time after pleading guilty to "one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine" as part of the ever-evolving case.
"Ketamine Queen" Jasveen Sangha, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Kenneth Iwamasa (Perry's assistant), and dealer Erik Fleming, were all arrested and charged in connection to the overdose that led to the actor's untimely death (per NBC News) in August, following a lengthy investigation that was reopened after clues of possible criminal involvement surfaced.
Electronic devices were seized from each suspect, revealing the price Perry would be expected to pay for the illegal drugs and how they would be delivered to him.
In fact, Dr. Chavez received an email from Dr. Plasencia prior to the Friends Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing author's death that read: "I wonder how much this moron will pay [for the ketamine]."
Despite evidence alluding to his involvement, Dr. Plasencia is currently fighting charges and has plead not guilty, along with dealer Jasveen Sangha.
Perry passed away in October 2023 and was found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles. His death was initially ruled "accidental" until the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined he died from the "acute effects of ketamine" sourced outside of a medical facility.
While the Friends alum was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety at the time of his death, the ketamine that fueled his demise was not connected to the treatment.
Dr. Chavez "remains free on a $50,000 bond" as the case proceeds.