In a shocking turn of events, Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the two doctors charged in connection with the ketamine-related death of actor Matthew Perry, has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. During his appearance in court on Friday, accompanied by his attorney, Chavez expressed deep remorse for his role in Perry's tragic passing.

According to federal prosecutors, Chavez has signed a plea agreement, admitting to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. During his arraignment at a Los Angeles federal court, Chavez answered the judge's questions affirming his understanding of the case against him. Outside the courtroom, his attorney, Matthew Binninger, spoke to reporters, emphasizing Chavez's commitment to making amends and cooperating fully with authorities.

Binninger further stated that his client, Dr. Chavez, fully accepts responsibility for the part he played in Perry's untimely death. As part of the plea deal, Chavez has agreed to surrender his medical license immediately. While he formally pleaded not guilty during the arraignment, Binninger anticipates that a change of plea proceeding will be scheduled for a later date, likely in October.

If found guilty, Chavez could face up to 10 years in prison, according to the prosecutors. This development comes as Chavez becomes one of five individuals facing federal charges in connection with Matthew Perry's tragic demise, which occurred on October 28, 2024, when Perry was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home.

Detailing the Department of Justice's allegations, Chavez is accused of being involved in an underground criminal network that used Perry as a personal "piggy bank" by illegally selling him ketamine. The lead defendant in the case is Dr. Salvador Plasencia, another medical doctor with whom Chavez has had a longstanding relationship. Jasveen Sangha, known as "The Ketamine Queen," is also implicated for allegedly selling Perry the lethal batch of ketamine. Both Plasencia and Sangha have pleaded not guilty.

Additional individuals charged include Eric Fleming, who admitted to distributing the ketamine that led to Perry's death, and Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in assistant, who admitted to administering the fatal dose. Both Fleming and Iwamasa have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

According to court documents, Chavez admitted to selling ketamine to Plasencia, knowing that it would be supplied to Perry, who was battling an addiction to the substance. The two doctors engaged in multiple meetings as part of the alleged scheme, with Chavez transferring numerous vials of liquid ketamine and ketamine lozenges to Plasencia for Perry's use.

The plea agreement also revealed that after their third meeting, Chavez became aware of an investigation by the California Medical Board regarding his improper acquisition of ketamine. Subsequently, Chavez informed Plasencia that he could no longer provide additional ketamine for Perry. However, he concealed this information from investigators during an interview regarding the allegations.

Following Perry's tragic death, Chavez contacted Plasencia to discuss the situation, but the latter appeared unconcerned, stating that he hadn't seen the actor in weeks.

As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold for the remaining defendants. Plasencia's attorney has expressed the possibility of a plea deal and plans to challenge the legality of the medical services his client is accused of providing.

The next hearing for Plasencia is scheduled for September 4, where the judge has ordered the posting of a sign in Plasencia's clinic, notifying patients of the ongoing federal case.