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A doctor has pleaded guilty in the case surrounding the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. This plea addresses the physician's responsibility in prescribing medications that contributed to Perry's tragic demise. The case has sparked discussions about prescription practices and the accountability of healthcare professionals. Sentencing is anticipated to focus on the broader implications of the doctor's actions on the medical community and public health.
A doctor implicated in the drug-related death of actor Matthew Perry has entered a guilty plea. Dr. Mark Chavez changed his plea in a Los Angeles court to guilty for conspiring to distribute the anesthetic ketamine. The 54-year-old operated a ketamine clinic and sold ketamine lozenges to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who supplied them to Perry, known for his role in the NBC sitcom Friends.
Chavez is one of five individuals charged in connection with Perry's death, which occurred when the actor was discovered deceased in his backyard jacuzzi in Southern California in October 2023. A post-mortem examination revealed high levels of ketamine in Perry's system, determining that the drug's acute effects were the cause of his death.
Ketamine is typically used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and pain. In his plea agreement, Chavez acknowledged acquiring ketamine through fraudulent prescriptions from both his former clinic and a wholesale distributor. Prosecutors indicated that Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, collaborated with the two doctors to supply the actor with over $50,000 worth of ketamine in the weeks leading up to his death. Text messages between the doctors included discussions about pricing the drug for Perry, with one stating, "I wonder how much this moron will pay."
Chavez's plea allows him to plead guilty to a reduced charge in exchange for his cooperation in the investigation, although he could still face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. His attorney stated in court that Chavez has accepted responsibility and is cooperating fully. Additionally, Chavez has surrendered his passport and agreed to immediately relinquish his medical license. He is currently out on bail and is scheduled for sentencing on April 2, 2025.
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Source BBC
