LOS ANGELES – In a shocking turn of events, Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the doctors charged in the investigation of Matthew Perry’s death, is set to plead guilty today in a federal court in Los Angeles. The charges against him involve conspiring to distribute the surgical anesthetic ketamine.
Chavez, 54, of San Diego, signed a plea agreement with prosecutors back in August and is now expected to become the third person to plead guilty in connection with the tragic overdose of the “Friends” star.
Prosecutors have offered Chavez and two other individuals lesser charges in exchange for their cooperation as they pursue two primary targets they believe are more responsible for Perry’s death: another doctor and an alleged dealer known as the “ketamine queen” of Los Angeles.
Chavez, who is currently out on bond after surrendering his passport and medical license, expressed deep remorse through his lawyer, Matthew Binninger, following his initial court appearance in August.
The investigation also involves Perry’s assistant and a mutual acquaintance who have provided valuable information to prosecutors. They are assisting in the case against Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, who have both pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
Chavez confessed in his plea agreement to obtaining ketamine through fraudulent means from a former clinic and a wholesale distributor. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
The shocking details of the case shed light on Perry’s struggle with addiction, which dates back to his time on “Friends.” The beloved actor’s untimely death has left fans mourning the loss of a talented star who graced our screens for a decade.
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