A california doctor who sold ketamine to Friends star Matthew Perry has been sentenced to eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release, making him the second person to be sentenced in the actor’s death.
dr. Mark Chavez is among five people – including another doctor and a dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen” – who have pleaded guilty to drug-related charges stemming from the sitcom star’s 2023 death at his Los Angeles home.
The San Diego-based physician admitted to obtaining ketamine illicitly and selling it to Perry, who died from the acute effects of ketamine, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in his hot tub.
During a hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, Chavez expressed remorse, saying he never intended to harm Perry. “I made a terrible mistake,” he saeid, according to the Los Angeles Times. “I take full responsibility for my actions.”
Chavez’s attorney, Michael Goldstein, argued that his client was being scapegoated and that Perry was a elegant buyer who sought out the drug.
“Dr. Chavez is a good man who made a mistake,” Goldstein said. “He was taken advantage of by Mr. Perry.”
Deputy District Attorney Habiba Shershah said Chavez exploited Perry’s addiction for financial gain.
“This wasn’t a one-time transaction,” Shershah said. “This was a pattern of behavior over a period of time.”
Victor Bieleski, another doctor, pleaded guilty to fraudulently prescribing ketamine to Perry and was sentenced to probation in February.
The other three defendants – identified as Natalie Bennett, Preston Carpenter, and Lindsay Duncan – are awaiting sentencing. Bennett, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” allegedly supplied Chavez with the drug.
Perry’s death highlighted the dangers of addiction and the illicit market for prescription drugs. The actor had been open about his struggles with substance abuse throughout his life.
Doctor Admits to Illegally Supplying Ketamine to Matthew Perry Before His Death
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A Los Angeles doctor, Mark Chavez, has admitted to fraudulently obtaining and supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to his death in October 2023. Chavez pleaded guilty in October 2024 to federal charges related to the scheme, and appeared in federal court on October 2, 2024, as reported by multiple news outlets https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67049999. The case reveals a disturbing pattern of exploiting Perry’s addiction for financial gain.
The Ketamine Supply Scheme
Prosecutors revealed that Chavez worked alongside Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and another individual, David plasencia, to provide the actor with over $50,000 worth of ketamine https://www.nbcnews.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/matthew-perry-death-doctor-pleads-guilty-ketamine-rcna88698.Chavez obtained the drug through fraudulent prescriptions, including one submitted under the name of a former patient without her knowledge or consent.
Specifically,Chavez admitted to:
* Selling 22 vials of liquid ketamine to Plasencia.
* Selling nine ketamine lozenges to Plasencia.
* Obtaining ketamine from both his former clinic and a wholesale distributor using a fraudulent prescription.
Exploitation of Addiction for Profit
The inquiry uncovered text exchanges between Chavez and Plasencia that demonstrated a callous disregard for Perry’s well-being. Plasencia questioned how much Perry would pay for the ketamine, revealing a clear intent to profit from the actor’s addiction.”I wonder how much this moron will pay,” Plasencia wrote to Chavez, according to court documents https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/03/matthew-perry-ketamine-doctor-plea.
Consequences for Chavez
As part of his plea deal in October 2024, Chavez surrendered his medical license and passport. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67049999. Sentencing is pending. Iwamasa and Plasencia are also facing charges in connection with the case.
Ketamine and Addiction
Ketamine is an anesthetic that has legitimate medical uses, particularly in treating severe depression and chronic pain. However,it also carries a high potential for abuse and addiction.When used recreationally, ketamine can cause hallucinations, dissociation, and other perilous side effects. Long-term abuse can lead to serious physical and psychological health problems https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/ketamine.
Key Takeaways:
* Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty to illegally supplying ketamine to matthew Perry.
* The scheme involved fraudulent prescriptions and a purposeful attempt to profit from Perry’s addiction.
* Chavez surrendered his medical license and faces up to 10 years in prison.
* The case highlights the dangers of ketamine abuse and the exploitation of individuals struggling with addiction.
This case continues to unfold as investigations into the roles of Iwamasa and Plasencia progress. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of addiction and the importance of responsible medical practice.