Doctor charged in Matthew Perry"s ketamine overdose case remains free on bond

Dr. Mark Chavez, a San Diego-based physician, is facing charges for conspiring to distribute ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, who died on October 28 due to acute effects of the drug. Chavez did not enter a guilty plea during a recent court hearing but is expected to do so at a later date. He admitted to selling ketamine to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who allegedly instructed Perry's assistant on how to administer the drug. Perry had sought additional sources of ketamine in the month leading up to his death after his previous doctor refused to provide more. This led him to connect with Plasencia, who then contacted Chavez for the drug. The investigation revealed that Chavez diverted ketamine from his former clinic to facilitate these transactions. In addition to Chavez, three others have been charged in connection with Perry's death. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's assistant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, while Jasveen Sangha, known as "The Ketamine Queen," faces similar charges. Erik Fleming, who acted as a middleman, also pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of ketamine that resulted in Perry's death. The circumstances surrounding Perry's death highlight the dangers of illicit drug distribution and the responsibilities of medical professionals. The case has drawn significant attention, not only due to Perry's celebrity status but also because it underscores the serious implications of drug misuse and the legal consequences for those involved in such activities.