A Doctor Involved in Matthew Perry’s Death Released on $50K Bail, Expected to Plead Guilty
Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the medical professionals charged in connection with the death of Matthew Perry due to “acute effects of ketamine” last year, has been released on a $50,000 bail, as confirmed by YSL News.
On Friday, the San Diego-based physician appeared in federal court in Los Angeles. During the hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jean Rosenbluth granted Chavez the opportunity to post bail. Conditions for his release include surrendering his passport and medical license, according to reports from NBC News, CBS News, and The Associated Press.
If convicted, Chavez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a three-year supervised release period, or a fine of up to $500,000, or double the gross profit or loss from the crime, whichever amount is higher.
YSL News has made inquiries to Chavez’s legal representative for further statements.
Chavez previously ran a ketamine clinic and is currently charged with conspiring to distribute ketamine. Earlier this month, he entered a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and is anticipated to plead guilty in the near future.
Chavez allegedly acquired ketamine illegally through providing false information and issuing a prescription without the consent of an unnamed patient. According to U.S. attorneys, he fraudulently gained 22 vials of ketamine and nine ketamine lozenges, which were then sold to Perry via another doctor, Dr. Salvador Plasencia.
A total of five individuals have been charged in relation to Perry’s demise, with two — his assistant and a man who confessed to distributing the fatal ketamine — having already pleaded guilty.
Perry, who openly discussed his battles with addiction, passed away on October 28 at his home near Los Angeles, where responding officers found him unconscious in his hot tub. His assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, made the emergency call.
Over a month later, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Perry’s death was accidental, with the primary cause noted as “the acute effects of ketamine.”
Doctor Charged in Matthew Perry’s Death Feels ‘Deep Remorse’
Following the courtroom proceedings on Friday, Chavez and his attorney, Matthew Binninger, answered questions from the press.
“He feels tremendous remorse, not only because of what happened to Matthew Perry but also because of the impact on a patient,” Binninger said, as reported by the AP. “He is making every effort to correct the wrong that occurred. He didn’t take responsibility today, but that was only because it wasn’t a part of today’s agenda.”
“He is committed to cooperating fully to assist in this matter,” Binninger added.
When asked what he would say to Perry’s family, Binninger replied, “I wish I could address that question more, but I can only say that we are deeply sorry for the tragic loss of life. It does not matter that he was a well-known celebrity; he was universally loved, and it is devastating what transpired.”
Who Else Is Accused in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Death?
Leading up to Perry’s passing, Iwamasa reportedly bought over $55,000 worth of ketamine on behalf of the actor, according to statements from attorneys. He pleaded guilty this month to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
Erik Fleming, characterized as an acquaintance of Perry, admitted to distributing the ketamine that resulted in Perry’s death; he pleaded guilty on August 8 to two charges: conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine leading to death.
Authorities claim that Jasveen Sangha sold the ketamine that ultimately led to Perry’s death. Sangha, referred to as the “Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood in legal documents, faces nine criminal charges, which include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of ketamine causing death, and maintaining a drug-involved stash house.
Sangha has pleaded not guilty, while both she and Plasencia are accused of “distributing ketamine to Perry in the weeks leading up to the actor’s passing.” Plasencia faces a total of 10 criminal charges and has also pleaded not guilty.
A case management conference is set for September 4 regarding Sangha and Plasencia’s cases.
Plasencia, who runs Malibu Canyon Urgent Care in Calabasas, California, was noted by his attorney on August 21 to be returning to his medical practice.