Doctor Who Supplied Matthew Perry with Drugs Pleads Guilty in Court

Photo : AFP

Los Angeles: Mark Chavez, one of two doctors charged in relation to the tragic drug overdose death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry, appeared in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty. Chavez, 54, admitted to conspiring to distribute ketamine in the weeks leading up to Perry's death, a crime that could land him in prison for up to 10 years.

Chavez, bespectacled and composed, stood before US District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett, answering a series of formal questions before finally stating, "Guilty, your honor." He was released on $50,000 bail but was ordered to refrain from practicing medicine pending his sentencing, which is expected in April.

Matthew Perry, best known for his portrayal of the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, passed away in October 2023, shocking fans worldwide. Perry's struggles with substance abuse were well-known, having openly discussed his battles with addiction to painkillers and alcohol over the years. But his sudden death at his Los Angeles home sent waves through Hollywood and among millions of Friends fans globally.

Following Perry's death, an autopsy revealed high levels of ketamine, an anesthetic known for its hallucinogenic properties, in his system. This discovery prompted a criminal investigation, which eventually led to charges against Chavez and others involved in distributing the drug. Perry had reportedly been using ketamine as part of a supervised therapy, but Chavez’s illegal distribution of the drug is believed to have played a role in the actor’s demise.

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Chavez’s connection to the case stems from his sale of ketamine to another doctor, Salvador Plasencia, who in turn sold the drug to Perry at inflated prices. Plasencia, 49, allegedly referred to Perry as "the moron" in messages with Chavez, discussing how much the desperate actor would pay for the drugs. Plasencia faces his own charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, which he has denied.

Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” is another central figure in the case. She is accused of selling the fatal dose to Perry and is facing serious charges alongside Plasencia. Both Sangha and Plasencia are scheduled for trial in March 2024, and they could face lengthy prison terms if convicted.

Chavez admitted to selling ketamine doses diverted from his former ketamine clinic, providing them to Plasencia, who then resold them to Perry. Chavez’s role in this underground distribution chain, combined with the tragic result of Perry’s overdose, has placed him at the center of the case.

Perry's long struggle with addiction had been publicly documented. He had survived multiple health crises, including a near-fatal incident in 2018 when his colon burst due to drug use, requiring emergency surgery and a prolonged hospital stay. In his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry described his decades-long battle with drugs and alcohol, recounting how he had been through detox dozens of times. Despite his efforts at recovery, Perry acknowledged occasional relapses.

Perry had a deep connection with his fans due to his vulnerability and honesty about his addiction. As Friends catapulted him to stardom between 1994 and 2004, Perry’s personal struggles remained hidden behind the humor of his character Chandler Bing. His passing in October marked the end of an era for his fans and the entertainment industry, but it also raised alarms about the dangers of drug use and illegal distribution.

Ketamine, the drug involved in Perry’s death, is widely used by doctors and veterinarians as an anesthetic and is also being researched as a treatment for depression. However, it is known to have hallucinogenic effects and can become addictive, especially when misused. While ketamine has medical benefits in controlled settings, it has become popular as a recreational drug, often with dangerous consequences.

Chavez’s case underscores the darker side of medical malpractice, with doctors like him profiting from illegal drug sales to vulnerable individuals. As the case progresses, the focus remains on those who enabled Perry’s access to ketamine and contributed to his tragic death.

The upcoming trials of Plasencia and Sangha, who face numerous charges related to drug distribution, will further explore the extent of the illegal ketamine trade and its impact on vulnerable figures like Perry. If convicted, they could face severe penalties, bringing some closure to a case that has gripped the public since Perry’s death.

As legal proceedings continue, fans and loved ones remember Matthew Perry not only for his iconic role in Friends but also for his courage in confronting his personal demons. His passing serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle many face against addiction and the importance of accountability within the medical community.