Matthew Perry's tragic death from a ketamine overdose has exposed the growing problem of ketamine misuse in the United States. A San Diego doctor, Dr. Mark Chavez, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine in connection with Perry's death, highlighting the dangerous consequences of this drug's availability.
Dr. Mark Chavez, a physician from San Diego, has admitted his involvement in the illicit distribution of ketamine, a drug that ultimately led to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Chavez's guilty plea in a Los Angeles federal courtroom Wednesday sheds light on the growing problem of ketamine misuse in the United States and its tragic consequences.
Matthew Perry's Ketamine Overdose: Doctor Pleads Guilty, Exposing US Ketamine Crisis
Chavez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for conspiring to distribute ketamine. He is one of three individuals assisting authorities in prosecuting two others charged in Perry's ketamine overdose.
The autopsy report of Perry's death on October 28, 2023, revealed that "acute effects of ketamine" were the primary cause, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects as contributing factors.
Matthew Perry's Ketamine Overdose: Doctor Pleads Guilty, Exposing US Ketamine Crisis
Court documents obtained by Fox News Digital paint a disturbing picture of the circumstances surrounding Perry's death. In the month leading up to his overdose, Perry sought an additional source of ketamine after his previous supplier refused to provide him with more of the drug.
Perry eventually came into contact with Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who reached out to Dr. Chavez for the ketamine. Text messages between Plasencia and Chavez showed their exploitation of Perry's addiction, with Plasencia writing, "I wonder how much this moron will pay... Let's find out."
Matthew Perry's Ketamine Overdose: Doctor Pleads Guilty, Exposing US Ketamine Crisis
Dr. Chavez admitted to selling ketamine to Dr. Plasencia, including ketamine that he had diverted from his former clinic. Plasencia allegedly taught Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, how to inject the actor with the drug.
Dr. Plasencia has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Kenneth Iwamasa and Erik Fleming, a middleman, have both accepted plea deals. A fourth individual, the "Ketamine Queen" Jasveen Sangha, has pleaded not guilty and will face a joint trial with Dr. Plasencia.
Matthew Perry's Ketamine Overdose: Doctor Pleads Guilty, Exposing US Ketamine Crisis
Sangha is charged with numerous drug-related offenses, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine.
The guilty plea of Dr. Chavez serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of ketamine misuse. This case has brought "public attention" to the US's ketamine problem, highlighting the need for stronger measures to prevent and treat addiction to this dangerous drug.
Matthew Perry's Ketamine Overdose: Doctor Pleads Guilty, Exposing US Ketamine Crisis
In addition to Dr. Chavez, three other individuals have been charged in connection with Perry's death. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's assistant, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Erik Fleming, a middleman, has also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
The "Ketamine Queen," Jasveen Sangha, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to stand trial in April 2024. She is facing charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine.
Matthew Perry's Ketamine Overdose: Doctor Pleads Guilty, Exposing US Ketamine Crisis
The prosecution of these individuals is expected to shed further light on the ketamine distribution network that supplied Perry with the drug that ultimately led to his death. It is hoped that their guilty pleas and the ongoing trial will serve as a deterrent to others involved in the illicit drug trade and help to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
