Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the individuals charged in connection with the death of Friends star Matthew Perry, has pleaded guilty to illegally distributing ketamine to the actor. Chavez, 54, of San Diego, appeared in a Los Angeles court and became the third person out of five to plead guilty. Perry, who passed away on October 28, 2023, was found unconscious in his home’s Jacuzzi, and his death was linked to the “acute effects of ketamine,” which he had reportedly used as a treatment for depression and anxiety.
Chavez now faces sentencing on April 2, 2025, and is currently out on a $50,000 bond. His attorney previously stated that Chavez is “incredibly remorseful” for his actions. The case has unveiled a broader criminal network involved in distributing large amounts of ketamine to Perry and other individuals. According to the investigation, Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, conspired with several others, including drug dealers, to supply Perry with ketamine in exchange for $55,000 in cash.
In addition to Chavez, two other individuals, including Salvador Plasencia, a doctor from Santa Monica, and Jasveen Sangha, known as the “ketamine queen,” are scheduled to stand trial in March 2025. Prosecutors allege that these individuals took advantage of Perry’s struggles with addiction, choosing to profit rather than ensure his well-being. Authorities have emphasized that this case highlights the deadly consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals struggling with substance abuse.
The ongoing investigation continues to reveal how these defendants prioritized financial gain over the health and safety of Perry, underscoring the broader issue of drug distribution networks preying on individuals dealing with addiction. Perry’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked substance distribution and exploitation.
