Matthew Perry's death: 2 doctors supplying ketamine to actor retain medical licenses despite charges
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Two physicians charged in connection with the death of Matthew Perry still hold active medical licenses, allowing them to prescribe medication, according to reports.
Despite the charges against them, the California State Medical Board has not imposed any restrictions on their ability to practice medicine.
Dr Salvador Plasencia and Dr Mark Chavez still retain medical licenses
Last week, Dr Mark Chavez and Dr Salvador Plasencia were charged with conspiring to illegally supply ketamine to the late 'Friends' actor, along with Perry's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, broker Eric Fleming, and 'Ketamine queen' Jasveen Sangha.
Plasencia, known as "Dr P," and Jasveen Sangha are the lead defendants in the case, as revealed by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Chavez, who is a licensed medical doctor, is accused of selling ketamine to Plasencia and Fleming.
The DOJ claimed that Chavez distributed the ketamine that ultimately led to Perry's death. The actor's live-in assistant, Iwamasa, reportedly administered the ketamine on the day the actor died.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, both Chavez and Plasencia retain their medical licenses.
"Both licenses are current and active and the Board has not imposed any restrictions on them," the California State Medical Board stated in a report to TMZ.
The Board's decision to keep the licenses active without discipline means the doctors can still prescribe medication, the outlet noted.
Matthew Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was taught to inject ketamine
Unsealed court documents reveal that Dr Salvador Plasencia allegedly showed Matthew Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, how to inject the drug after supplying multiple vials of ketamine in exchange for cash.
Federal prosecutors stated that while another supplier provided the ketamine that resulted in Perry's death, the doctors' sales contributed to the actor’s addiction.
“Matthew Perry’s journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust because they saw him as a payday,” DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said in a statement.
The DEA further alleged that Plasencia would inject Perry with massive doses of ketamine, sometimes at the actor's home.
On one occasion, Perry appeared to 'freeze' when his blood pressure skyrocketed, Plasencia reportedly said, “Let’s not do that again,” according to Iwamasa's account.
Dr Salvador Plasencia sent a text calling Matthew Perry 'moron'
Dr Salvador Plasencia's charges include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of ketamine resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and altering and falsifying records related to a federal investigation.
If convicted, Plasencia could face up to 120 years in federal prison. Neighbors of the doctor in Agoura Hills described him and his family as keeping mostly to themselves, according to NBC.
The indictment also revealed text messages that Plasencia allegedly sent to others involved in the drug sales, including one where he referred to Perry as a "moron" and suggested, "I wonder how much this moron will pay."
Plasencia has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
