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The 54-year-old physician appeared before a federal judge in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 2, where he entered a guilty plea for one count of conspiracy related to the distribution of ketamine.
Celebrity News – Chavez Faces Up To Ten Years In Prison
The physician could be looking at a prison term of up to a decade, but his sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2025. In the meantime, Chavez is out on a $50,000 bond, as reported by TMZ. He has handed over his passport and medical license, committing to refrain from practicing medicine.
During his initial court appearance in Los Angeles on August 30, Chavez accepted a plea deal, agreeing to plead guilty to conspiracy charges related to the distribution of the surgical anesthetic ketamine, according to the Associated Press.
Celebrity News – Chavez’ Attorney Claims He’s Incredibly Remorseful
Chavez’s attorney, Matthew Binninger, expressed deep regret, stating, “He feels immense sorrow, not only because of what happened to Matthew Perry, but because it affected a patient. He is committed to doing everything possible to rectify the situation. While he didn’t take responsibility today, it was simply not on the agenda.”
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Asked how he would address Perry’s family if given the opportunity, Binninger said, “I can’t provide a specific answer, but want to emphasize our profound sadness over the loss of life.” “The fact that he was a beloved celebrity only adds to the tragedy of the situation.”
Celebrity News – Perry Was Found Dead On October 28, 2023
Perry was found dead at 54 in his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023, after what seemed to be a drowning in his jacuzzi. However, the cause of death was later identified as the “acute effects of ketamine.” He had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for anxiety and depression, but his last session was a week and a half before he passed away.
It was found that the ketamine he took before his death was not prescribed by a doctor. On August 15, Chavez and four others—Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Erik Fleming, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Javeen Sangha, known as “the Ketamine Queen”—were arrested in connection with Perry’s death.
Celebrity News – Chavez Was Accused Of Being A Supplier Of Ketamine
Chavez, an emergency medicine specialist from California, was accused of providing ketamine to Plasencia, 42, who was Perry’s doctor.
A government press release in August stated, “Chavez admitted in his plea agreement to selling ketamine to Plasencia, including ketamine he had taken from his previous clinic.” It also mentioned that Chavez acquired more ketamine for Plasencia by lying to a wholesale distributor and submitting a fake prescription in a former patient’s name without their knowledge.
Prosecutors noted that Chavez was aware Plasencia had little experience with ketamine treatment, yet he offered to sell him vials of the drug. Chavez is the third individual to plead guilty in this case, following Iwamasa, 59, and Fleming, 54-Sangha, 41, and Plasencia have both pleaded not guilty.
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