Matthew Perry's death: Second doctor sentenced, gets home detention
What's the story
Dr. Mark Chavez, a California-based physician who supplied ketamine to F.R.I.E.N.D.S actor Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to eight months of home confinement along with three years of supervised release. He becomes the second individual to be sentenced in connection with the actor's death. Chavez is among five people, including two doctors, Perry's assistant, a dealer known as the "Ketamine Queen," and another associate, who have pleaded guilty to drug-related charges stemming from Perry's 2023 death at his LA home.
Investigation findings
Chavez's role in Perry's ketamine supply chain revealed
The years-long federal investigation into Perry's death delved into how the Emmy-winning actor procured ketamine from a clandestine drug ring in Hollywood. The San Diego-based doctor confessed to acquiring ketamine from his clinic and a wholesale distributor using a fake prescription, which he then sold to Dr. Salvador Plasencia. Plasencia was sentenced to 30 months in prison earlier this month.
Assistant's role
Perry's assistant involved in ketamine distribution scheme
Perry's live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was also implicated in the ketamine distribution scheme. Prosecutors said he worked with Chavez and Plasencia to supply Perry with more than $50,000 worth of ketamine in the weeks before his death. Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death and is set to be sentenced next month.
Legal proceedings
Chavez's plea agreement and medical license surrender
In his plea agreement, Chavez admitted to diverting ketamine from his former clinic and lying to a wholesale distributor. He obtained additional supplies by submitting a fake prescription in the name of a former patient, without her knowledge or consent, to provide the drug to Plasencia. As part of his plea deal, Chavez has surrendered his medical license and passport.
Actor's demise
Perry's death linked to ketamine overdose
A postmortem examination of Perry revealed a high concentration of ketamine in his blood, leading to the conclusion that "acute effects" of the drug caused his death. The actor had been legally taking ketamine as part of his treatment for depression but began seeking more than what was prescribed. This ultimately led him to the drug ring involving Chavez and Plasencia.