A doctor linked to Matthew Perry’s ketamine use – which contributed to his death – has plead guilty.
Dr Mark Chavez, 54, appeared in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday to enter his plea of guilty, possibly facing up to 10 years in prison.
The doctor was charged with conspiring to distribute the surgical anesthetic ketamine.
Dr Chavez, of San Diego, signed a plea agreement with prosecutors in August and is now the third person to plead guilty in relation to Perry’s death.
The doctor is now free on bond, though he is unable to leave the country and no longer has a medical license, among other conditions.
Chavez’s lawyer, Matthew Binninger, previously said that Chavez was ‘incredibly remorseful’ and is ‘trying to do everything in his power to right the wrong that happened here.’
The Friends actor was found dead aged 54 in October 2023, causing an outpouring of grief from his colleagues and fans. His death was attributed to drowning and the ‘acute effects’ of ketamine.
According to court documents, Perry was taking ketamine 6 to 8 times a day in the time leading up to his death, which was provided to him by a ‘network of corrupt doctors,’ according to his ex-girlfriend and close friend.
Five people have been charged in connection with his death including his live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, Doctor Jasveen Sangha aka ‘The Ketamine Queen’, Doctor Salvador Plasencia, Doctor Mark Chavez, and a street dealer Erik Fleming.
Prosecutors offered lesser charges to Chavez and two others in exchange for their cooperation as they go after who they believe to be bigger contributors in the actor’s death.
Perry struggled with addiction for years, dating back to his time on Friends, when he became one of the biggest stars of his generation as Chandler Bing.
He starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on the mega-hit sitcom on NBC.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Surprising link between Friends character and 80s TV icon is revealed
MORE : Debate over colour of iconic 90s dress has finally been settled
MORE : 90s Friends legend told to ‘burn in hell’ over huge storyline
