In the case surrounding the untimely death of beloved Friends star Matthew Perry, Dr Mark Chavez has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic linked to the actor’s overdose.
Perry was found dead in his hot tub in October 2023, with a post-mortem examination revealing a high concentration of ketamine in his system, which authorities believe played a crucial role in his tragic demise.
During his appearance in a Los Angeles court, Dr. Chavez admitted to obtaining ketamine through fraudulent prescriptions from his former clinic and a wholesale distributor. As part of his plea agreement, he has surrendered his passport and agreed to relinquish his medical license immediately. He remains free on bail, with sentencing set for April 2, 2025, where he could face up to 10 years in prison.
Dr. Chavez’s role in the distribution chain is particularly alarming. He operated a ketamine clinic and sold ketamine lozenges to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who supplied them to Perry. Text messages between the two doctors revealed a disturbing camaraderie, with discussions on how much they could charge Perry for the drug, including one message that read, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”
Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, has already pleaded guilty to injecting the actor with ketamine and has been cooperating with authorities. In the weeks leading up to Perry’s death, Iwamasa reportedly procured over $50,000 worth of ketamine from the two doctors. The indictment highlights a network of medical professionals who exploited their positions, allegedly leading to Perry’s tragic death.
Matthew Perry, who famously portrayed the lovable Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, had openly battled substance abuse throughout his life. His death at age 54 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and his legion of fans. The autopsy report described his death as being due to the “acute effects” of ketamine and other factors, resulting in his loss of consciousness and subsequent drowning in his hot tub.
With the trials for co-defendants Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, also known as the “ketamine queen,” scheduled for March 2025, the case is far from over. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold as the public and Perry’s loved ones seek answers and accountability for his tragic death.
