A San Diego doctor charged in the drug-overdose death of actor Matthew Perry pleaded guilty Wednesday to a felony.
Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, admitted to one count of conspiring to distribute ketamine after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. As part of that agreement, he will cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles as it seeks convictions against others charged in the Friends actor’s death.
Chavez is scheduled to be sentenced April 2. He remains free on bond.
He is the third defendant in the case to plead guilty and one of five who were charged earlier this year. The others include a second doctor and Perry's live-in personal assistant, who authorities said supplied the drug illegally to Perry, who had long struggled with addiction.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said at a news conference in August that the defendants knew what they were doing was wrong, but did it anyway.
"In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his wellbeing," Estrada said.
The two lead defendants charged in an 18-count indictment are Jasveen Sangha, 41, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” of North Hollywood, and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, known as “Dr. P,” of Santa Monica.
Both face charges that include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, a form of anesthesia. Sangha was also charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and distribution of ketamine.
They have pleaded not guilty.
