Matthew Perry was found dead in his backyard jacuzzi in October 2023. Following a thorough post-mortem examination, authorities discovered a high concentration of ketamine in his blood, ultimately concluding that the acute effects of the substance were the cause of his untimely death. The revelations surrounding his death have sparked widespread media attention and raised concerns about the misuse of prescription medications.
Dr. Chavez is among five individuals who have been charged in connection with Perry’s death. According to court documents, in his plea agreement, Chavez confessed to obtaining ketamine through fraudulent prescriptions from both his former clinic and a wholesale distributor. Prosecutors allege that Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, played a significant role in the scheme, collaborating with the two doctors to provide Perry with more than $50,000 worth of ketamine in the weeks leading up to his death.
The indictment reveals troubling text exchanges between the two medical professionals, highlighting their questionable attitudes towards Perry. One particularly alarming message reportedly read: “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” reflecting a blatant disregard for Perry’s well-being.
As part of the plea deal, Chavez will plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for his cooperation with authorities in the ongoing investigation. While he has accepted responsibility for his actions, he could still face a substantial sentence of up to 10 years in prison. His attorney has emphasized that Chavez is committed to cooperating fully with the legal process.
In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, Chavez has voluntarily surrendered his medical license and turned over his passport to authorities. He has been released on bail but is required to remain compliant with the court’s conditions until his sentencing, which is set for April 2, 2025. The case continues to unfold as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death and the actions of those involved remains ongoing, drawing attention to the critical issues of drug misuse and accountability in the medical community.