In a significant development in the investigation of actor Matthew Perry’s death, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has confirmed that doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez have surrendered their licenses to prescribe medication. This decision comes amid allegations linking them to Perry’s tragic passing, as reported by E! News.
Matthew Perry’s Death: The Circumstances
Perry, widely known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the television show Friends, was found dead in the hot tub of his California home on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner determined that Matthew Perry’s death was accidental, caused by the “acute effects of ketamine” combined with drowning.
DOJ Charges Five Individuals in Perry’s Case
On August 15, the Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed that Plasencia and Chavez are among five individuals facing charges in connection with Perry’s death. These charges involve accusations of exploiting Perry’s struggle with drug addiction.
Plasencia, a primary defendant, is accused of working with Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to distribute approximately 20 vials of ketamine to Perry between September and October 2023 in exchange for $55,000 in cash. Iwamasa pleaded guilty on August 7 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death.
The Alleged Conspiracy and Text Messages
Plasencia is also accused of coordinating with Chavez, a physician based in San Diego, who allegedly supplied the ketamine to Plasencia. According to reports, Plasencia sent a text message to Chavez discussing the financial aspects of their transactions, stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” as reported by E! News.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Plasencia faces several charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of ketamine distribution, and two counts of altering and falsifying documents related to the federal investigation.If found guilty, the 42-year-old could face a federal prison sentence of up to 30 years. He has not yet entered a public plea and was released on bond on August 16.
Chavez, who is set for arraignment on August 30, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. If found guilty, he faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison.
Remembering Matthew Perry: A Call to Celebrate His Legacy
As the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death continues, his friends and family are urging fans to honor his memory. Friends creator Marta Kauffman recently encouraged fans to celebrate Perry’s life by supporting drug treatment centers and enjoying his work on the beloved sitcom.
Kauffman stated, “Two things come to mind [about how to celebrate him]: one of them is to donate to drug treatment centres – let’s fight the disease. And the second way is to watch Friends and remember him not as a man who died like that but as a man who was hilariously funny and brought joy to everybody.”
Ongoing Investigation
The legal proceedings related to Perry’s death remain active, with the investigation continuing as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the case.