Matthew Perry Ketamine Case: Doctor pleads guilty; faces 10-year sentence with medical license surrender

One of the two doctors connected to the ketamine-related death of beloved actor Matthew Perry has officially entered a guilty plea. Dr. Mark Chavez, who ran a ketamine clinic, admitted to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in a federal court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Chavez's admission brings a significant development in the legal case surrounding the untimely passing of the Friends star.

The tragic incident occurred on October 28, 2023, when Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub by his live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. After a thorough investigation, authorities connected Perry's death to ketamine, a powerful anesthetic drug. Federal investigators discovered that Chavez had sold ketamine to another doctor, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who is accused of distributing the drug to Iwamasa, leading to Perry's fatal overdose.

Chavez, currently out on a $50,000 bond, has surrendered his passport and agreed to give up his medical license as part of his plea agreement. The doctor now awaits sentencing, scheduled for April 2, 2025, where he could face up to ten years in prison. Meanwhile, Dr. Plasencia has pleaded not guilty to several charges linked to Perry's death and is continuing to fight his case in court.

Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's assistant, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death. This marked a key moment in the case, as Iwamasa was the first person to discover Perry's body. The investigation has also implicated three other individuals, including Jasveen Sangha, who prosecutors dubbed the "Ketamine Queen," and Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of the late actor.

Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends, was adored by fans worldwide for his humor and charm. His sudden death shocked the entertainment industry and his fanbase, leaving a lasting impact. As legal proceedings continue, many of his fans are left heartbroken, hoping for justice in the case surrounding his tragic end.