Mark Chavez, a San Diego physician, will plead guilty to the federal charge of conspiring to distribute ketamine in relation to Matthew Perry’s death, according to Los Angeles Daily News. This plea deal is part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Perry, an actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends.

Chavez, 54, becomes the third of five defendants to accept a plea agreement. He did not enter a formal plea during his court appearance in Los Angeles. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jean Rosenbluth released him on a $50,000 bond and prohibited him from practicing medicine. Chavez had previously agreed to surrender his California medical license in a separate administrative hearing.

Details of the Matthew Perry Overdose Case

There will be another hearing in the future where Chavez will officially enter his guilty plea. His plea agreement reveals that he sold ketamine to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, including drugs diverted from his former clinic. Chavez also procured additional ketamine through fraudulent means, such as falsified prescriptions.

Perry, who was found dead in October 2023 at his Pacific Palisades home, succumbed to an accidental ketamine overdose. His official cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine, compounded by drowning and coronary artery disease.

Perry’s passing is particularly tragic, considering his well-documented struggle with addiction. He detailed it in his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. Published in November 2022, the memoir chronicles his extensive battle with substance abuse and his efforts at recovery, highlighting the devastating reality of relapsing over and over again.

At the time of the publication, he said he had been sober for several years.

Defendants and Charges in Perry Case

The federal charges against the five defendants, including a live-in assistant, two doctors, and a woman known as the “Ketamine Queen,” were announced on August 15. These people are alleged to be part of a more extensive underground network that supplied ketamine to Perry and exploited his addiction for profit.

The defendants include:

  • Jasveen Sangha, 41, also known as “The Ketamine Queen,” from North Hollywood
  • Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, aka “Dr. P,” from Santa Monica
  • Erik Fleming, 54, from Hawthorne, has pleaded guilty to charges related to Perry’s death
  • Kenneth Iwamasa, 59, from Toluca Lake, Perry’s live-in assistant, has also pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on November 6

Chavez faces a potential 10-year prison sentence. Sangha and Plasencia could face significant terms, including up to life in prison for Sangha and up to 20 years for Plasencia for falsifying records.

Understanding Ketamine: Medical Use, Mental Health, and Addiction

Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has also gained attention for its use in treating mental health conditions. In clinical settings, ketamine is used as a rapid-acting antidepressant, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Matthew Perry initially was taking it for this reason.

It is administered in controlled doses under medical supervision, often through intravenous infusions or a nasal spray.

Despite its medical applications, ketamine can be addictive. While it is generally considered less addictive than some other substances, it still carries a risk of abuse and dependence. This is especially true for people who have a history of addiction.

In recent years, the recreational use of ketamine has become a concern, with some users seeking the drug for its dissociative effects. This misuse can lead to a range of adverse health outcomes, including addiction.

The Importance of Seeking Help for Addiction

The case surrounding Matthew Perry’s death highlights the severe consequences of exploiting people struggling with addiction. P

erry’s memoir serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges of maintaining sobriety and the dangers of relapse. The legal proceedings emphasize the broader issues of illegal drug distribution and addiction.

For those grappling with addiction, seeking professional help can be the difference between life and death. Many substances, including ketamine and marijuana, can be addictive and have a profound impact on one’s life.

Matthew Perry wanted to help other people with his story of addiction, and this article could help you change your life.

Addiction causes health issues, family and relationship problems, and even legal issues. It erodes a person’s quality of life. Recovery, however, is available to all.

Getting Help for Addiction

If you or somebody you love needs help with addiction, it’s available.

Recognizing the complexity of addiction is essential, but with the proper help, recovery and a healthier future are possible. There are treatment centers that can help with all kinds of substance use.

Call 800-626-4014 to learn more about treatment options.