Doctor Charged in Connection with Matthew Perry's Death Pleads Guilty
Matthew PerryIn a significant development in the case surrounding the tragic death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry, Dr. Mark Chavez, a San Diego-based physician, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of ketamine. This plea is part of a broader investigation into the events leading to Perry's untimely death on October 28, 2023, attributed to "acute effects" of ketamine and subsequent drowning as per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Dr. Chavez, 54, faced the court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, admitting to conspiring to distribute ketamine, a surgical anesthetic that Perry had been using as part of a controversial treatment for depression. This guilty plea is part of a plea agreement which could see Chavez serving up to 10 years in prison, although his cooperation with authorities is likely to influence the final sentence. He is slated for sentencing on April 2, 2025.
Chavez's involvement in the case was particularly pivotal, as he admitted to supplying ketamine through fraudulent means. He allegedly wrote a false prescription to obtain the drug, which was then distributed to Perry with the help of another doctor, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, known as "Dr. P," and other accomplices including Perry's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa and acquaintance Erik Fleming. Both Iwamasa and Fleming have also pleaded guilty, acknowledging their roles in procuring and distributing the ketamine that contributed to the actor's death.
The investigation has also highlighted the role of Jasveen Sangha, dubbed "the Ketamine Queen," who, along with Dr. Plasencia, has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiring to distribute ketamine and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Sangha and Plasencia are set to face trial together on March 4, 2025.
Federal prosecutors have painted a grim picture of a network exploiting Perry's vulnerabilities and history with substance use in the months leading up to his death. Text exchanges between Chavez and Plasencia revealed a mercenary attitude towards Perry, referring to him disrespectfully in their communications about drug sales.
Chavez has since surrendered his medical license and remains free on bond pending his sentencing. His attorney, Matthew Binninger, expressed that Chavez is "remorseful" and taking steps to mitigate the consequences of his involvement.
The tragic end of Matthew Perry, a beloved actor, has shed light on the darker side of the medical and illegal drug distribution realms, prompting legal repercussions for those entangled in the network that contributed to his death.
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