Doctor Charged in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Death Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Ketamine

In a significant development in the investigation into the death of actor Matthew Perry, Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the two physicians implicated, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine to the late 'Friends' star. This admission was made during a court session in Los Angeles on October 2, 2024, as part of a plea deal.

Matthew Perry, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the popular TV series 'Friends,' passed away on October 28, 2023, due to the acute effects of ketamine combined with drowning, as outlined in the autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office. Perry was 54 years old at the time of his death.

The Investigation and Charges

The federal investigation into Perry's death revealed a complex network involving several individuals, including medical professionals and drug dealers. Dr. Mark Chavez, who has now pleaded guilty, was accused of providing large quantities of ketamine to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who then administered the drug to Perry. Chavez obtained the ketamine through fraudulent prescriptions and deceived wholesale distributors to acquire additional vials.

Alongside Dr. Chavez, four other individuals have been charged in connection with Perrys death. These include Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who has pleaded not guilty; Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in personal assistant, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death; Erik Fleming, a friend of Perry's, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death; and Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' who has also pleaded not guilty.

The indictment highlights the roles of each defendant, with Anne Milgram, the chief of the Drug Enforcement Administration, stating that each played a pivotal role in Perry's death by falsely prescribing, selling, or injecting the ketamine. The case underscores the exploitation by unscrupulous physicians and the involvement of street dealers in providing ketamine in unmarked vials.

Ketamine Use and Addiction

Perry had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy to manage his depression and anxiety, a treatment that is increasingly recognized for its off-label applications in mental health. However, his ketamine use escalated into an addiction, with court documents revealing that in the months leading up to his death, Perry acquired numerous vials of ketamine, spending thousands of dollars. In the three days prior to his passing, his assistant administered ketamine injections to him at least six times daily.

Experts have noted the ease of obtaining ketamine, whether through legitimate prescriptions or illicit channels. Dr. David Mahjoubi, of the Board of Anesthesiologists, mentioned that celebrities often come to him for prescriptions, highlighting the accessibility of the drug.

Legal Consequences

Dr. Mark Chavez could face a maximum of ten years in prison as part of his plea deal. He has relinquished his medical license and ceased practicing medicine. The sentencing for Chavez is scheduled for 2025. Other defendants, including Kenneth Iwamasa and Erik Fleming, are awaiting their sentencing dates, while Jasveen Sangha and Dr. Salvador Plasencia are set to go to trial on March 4, 2025.

The case has brought to light the broader issue of ketamine misuse and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by medical professionals and drug dealers. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of substance addiction and the importance of responsible medical practice.

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