Doctors Surrender Prescriptions Amid Matthew Perry Death Probe

In the ongoing investigation into actor Matthew Perry's death, two doctors have surrendered their prescription registrations. This development follows charges linking them to Perry's accidental ketamine overdose. Allegations also involve exploitation of Perry's addiction and multiple counts of ketamine distribution.

In a major development in the case surrounding actor Matthew Perry's death, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has confirmed that doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez have relinquished their registrations to prescribe medication. This action follows allegations that tie them to Perry's untimely demise, as reported by E! News.

Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing on 'Friends', was found dead in his California home's hot tub on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner ruled the death an accidental result of 'acute effects of ketamine' combined with drowning.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on August 15 that Plasencia and Chavez are among five individuals charged in connection with Perry's death. These charges include allegations of exploiting Perry's ongoing struggle with drug addiction, according to E! News.

As a primary defendant, Plasencia is accused of collaborating with Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to distribute around 20 vials of ketamine between September and October 2023 in exchange for USD 55,000. Iwamasa pleaded guilty on August 7 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, as reported by E! News.

Further complicating the case, Plasencia is alleged to have communicated with Chavez, a San Diego-based doctor, about the financial aspects of their transactions. One text from Plasencia reportedly read, 'I wonder how much this moron will pay,' according to E! News.

Plasencia faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of ketamine distribution, and two counts of falsifying documents related to the federal investigation. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in federal prison. Plasencia has not entered a public plea and was released on bond on August 16.

Chavez, scheduled for arraignment on August 30, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison.

Amid the ongoing legal proceedings, Perry's friends and family continue to honor his legacy. 'Friends' creator Marta Kauffman recently encouraged fans to support drug treatment centers and enjoy Perry's work on 'Friends' as a way to celebrate his memory.

Kauffman stated, 'Two things come to mind [about how to celebrate him]: one of them is to donate to drug treatment centers--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.' The investigation into Perry's death remains active as legal proceedings continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)