California Doctor Sentenced in Matthew Perry’s Death
A California physician linked to the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry has been sentenced to eight months of home confinement and three years of supervised release. Dr. Mark Chavez becomes the second individual penalized in connection with the actor’s tragic passing in 2023.
Why It Matters
This case underscores the pervasive issues surrounding prescription drug abuse and the role of medical professionals in illegal drug distribution, drawing wider attention to the challenges of addiction and the responsibilities of healthcare providers in America.
Key Developments
- Dr. Mark Chavez admitted to illegally obtaining and selling ketamine, a drug linked to Perry’s death.
- Chavez’s actions included submitting fraudulent prescriptions to supply the drug to others.
- His co-conspirator, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, has already been sentenced to 30 months in prison.
- Three additional individuals involved in the distribution network are awaiting sentencing.
Full Report
Details of the Case
Chavez, who practiced in San Diego, acknowledged acquiring ketamine through his clinic and a wholesale distributor with a fraudulent prescription. He admitted to selling the drug to Dr. Plasencia, who then provided it to Perry. Prosecutors revealed that, in the weeks leading up to Perry’s death, Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, collaborated with both doctors to furnish the actor with over $50,000 worth of ketamine.
Plea Agreement and Reaction
In his plea agreement, Chavez confessed to issuing a fraudulent prescription for ketamine lozenges under a former patient’s name without her consent and subsequently selling 22 vials of liquid and nine lozenges to Plasencia. Text messages exchanged between Chavez and Plasencia suggested they sought to profit from Perry’s addiction, with Plasencia remarking on the perceived financial opportunity by referring to the actor disparagingly.
Consequences of the Investigation
The investigation into Perry’s passing revealed critical insights into how he accessed illicit ketamine through an underground drug network. A post-mortem examination indicated a high concentration of the substance in Perry’s blood, attributing his death to the “acute effects” of ketamine.
Context & Previous Events
Chavez is one of five individuals, including another physician and a dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen,” who have confessed to drug-related crimes linked to Perry’s fatality. Following his sentencing, three others involved in the case, including Perry’s assistant and the dealer, are also expected to face justice in the coming months.
