Matthew Perry's Overdose Death: Doctors Involved Are Free To Prescribe Medication Despite Charges
By Favour Adegoke on August 17, 2024 at 7:15 PM EDT
Updated on August 17, 2024 at 7:56 PM EDT
Dr. Mark Chavez and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the two doctors arrested in connection with Matthew Perry's overdose death, have not yet been banned from practicing.
Recent reports claim that the duo can still prescribe medication to any of their patients as their medical licenses are currently still active with no "restrictions."
While Chavez has pleaded guilty to the charges against him, Plasencia has not and is scheduled to stand trial in October for his involvement in Matthew Perry's overdose death.
The Doctors Involved In Matthew Perry's Overdose Death Still Have ‘Active’ Licenses And No ‘Restrictions’
According to TMZ, Chavez and Plasencia have not yet had their medical licenses revoked by the California State Medical Board, despite their recent arrests and implication in Perry's death.
“Both licenses are current and active, and the Board has not imposed any restrictions on them,” read a statement from the board to the outlet.
In the meantime, the board has begun an investigation into both doctors, which might lead to an eventual ban. However, their active licenses mean they are still permitted to prescribe serious medications pending the outcome of the inquiries.
The duo’s arrest was announced in a press conference earlier in the week, along with that of other co-conspirators, including Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.
Dr. Mark Chavez Agreed To A Plea Deal In The Matthew Perry Overdose Death Case
Already, Chavez has agreed to a deal with the authorities in which he would plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
In the agreement, Chavez admitted to selling ketamine to Plasencia, which was then sold to Perry and possibly other individuals.
He reportedly obtained the drug from his former ketamine clinic and a wholesale distributor by making false representations.
Additionally, he acquired another quantity by submitting a fraudulent prescription in the name of a former patient without their knowledge or consent.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia Chose To Please Not Guilty To The Serious Charges Brought Against Him
Meanwhile, Plasencia’s charges are broader, as he is seen as the major distributor in the team of individuals that supplied drugs to Perry.
This includes charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death. He was also charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and altering and falsifying records related to a federal investigation.
Unlike Chavez, Plasencia chose not to plead guilty to the charges. He is set to be tried in October and has been released on a $100,000 bond.
Matthew Perry's Stepfather Keith Morrison Reacts To Arrest Of The Late Actor's Dealers
Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, broke his silence after the doctors and other co-conspirators were charged by the authorities.
In a statement, the 77-year-old shared that he and the rest of the family were still “heartbroken” over the “Friends” star’s death but felt relieved that the authorities took the case “very seriously.”
He added, per The Blast, “We look forward to justice taking its course, and we’re grateful for the exceptional work of the multiple agencies whose agents investigated Matthew’s death.”
Like Morrison, many fans are eagerly anticipating that those connected to Perry’s death will be held accountable and punished.
A fan commented, “Thank God they got the vultures. Feel so sorry for you, Matt,” while a second wrote, “We will make sure you will get justice rest in peace.”
One more person wrote, “Those devils will pay for their crime done to you. But you’re not here anymore.”
Matthew Perry Used Other Drugs Other Than Ketamine
Following Perry’s death, it was discovered that he indulged in other drugs other than the ketamine that led to his death.
Earlier reports revealed that the late actor accessed these drugs via girls he met on popular hookup apps.
“He would meet girls on dating apps and have them come over. There was a slew of 21 to 25-year-olds that he would meet on Raya. They would bring drugs with them,” a source shared, per the Daily Mail.
As to how the ladies were able to sneak in with the drugs, they were able to do so because they weren't frisked before entering the actor’s home.
“When nurses or companions are in someone's home, they do not have the same permissions as in a [rehab] institution. They cannot frisk visitors for drugs,” the insider revealed.
The source also mentioned Perry would tell the girls that he “needed the drugs to treat his pain” as a means of convincing them, and when he had “burned them out,” he simply moved on to the next person.
