A San Diego doctor, Dr. Mark Chavez, has been arrested in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry, known for his role in the series "Friends." Perry was found dead last October in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades residence. According to investigations, Chavez, along with four other defendants, was part of a criminal network that supplied ketamine to the actor.

 

The defendants include Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," Dr. Salvador Plasencia, and Perry's personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Federal authorities accuse these individuals of exploiting Perry's addiction to enrich themselves, providing him with ketamine that ultimately contributed to his death, as reported by the outlet on their website.

 

Dr. Chavez, 54, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, admitting to selling the drug to Plasencia, who then distributed it to Perry. Prosecutors stated that Perry was paying up to $2,000 per vial of ketamine, while the defendants were obtaining it for just $12.

 

The five defendants face multiple federal charges, and if found guilty, they could face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison. The case highlights the dangers of underground drug trafficking networks that exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals struggling with addiction.