In a courtroom in Los Angeles, San Diego physician Mark Chavez is set to be sentenced Tuesday for illegally distributing ketamine that ultimately contributed to the death of former ‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry.
Sentencing of Mark Chavez
Mark Chavez, 55, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one federal count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. After his conviction, he surrendered his medical license. At the time of Perry’s death in 2023, Chavez operated a ketamine‑infusion clinic in the San Diego area.
During the plea agreement, Chavez admitted that he and a second doctor, Salvador Plasencia, began supplying ketamine to Perry around September 2023. The drugs were provided to the actor through a legal, though off‑label, treatment for depression.
The Fatal Connection
Matthew Perry, 54, was found dead on October 28, 2023, in a jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades home. An assistant discovered the body, and the medical examiner ruled ketamine the primary cause of death. Perry had been using the anesthetic through his regular doctor, but he began seeking larger doses than his doctor would provide.
Perry’s loved ones delivered powerful impact statements during the sentencing proceedings, underscoring the tragedy of a beloved actor whose career spanned a decade on NBC’s hit series.
Salvador Plasencia’s Role
Salvador Plasencia, 44, of Santa Monica, was sentenced to 2½ years in federal prison on December 3 after pleading guilty last summer to four counts of distributing ketamine. He also surrendered his medical license.
In his plea, Plasencia admitted that another patient connected him with Perry. Beginning about a month before Perry’s death, Plasencia illegally supplied the actor with 20 vials of ketamine totaling 100 mg, plus lozenges and syringes. He also sold the drugs to Perry for $4,500 and asked Chavez to continue supplying them so they could become Perry’s “go‑to” source, prosecutors said.
Other Defendants
Five defendants were charged in Perry’s death and pleaded guilty. Among them is Jasveen Sangha, known as the Ketamine Queen, who faces up to 65 years in prison when she is sentenced on February 25.
Matthew Perry’s Legacy
Perry struggled with addiction for years, a battle that began during his time on ‘Friends’ when he became one of the biggest stars of his generation as Chandler Bing. The show ran for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004 on NBC, featuring co‑stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer.
Key Takeaways
- Mark Chavez, 55, is scheduled for sentencing in Los Angeles for conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
- Salvador Plasencia, 44, was sentenced to 2½ years in federal prison and surrendered his medical license.
- Matthew Perry, 54, died of ketamine overdose in October 2023.
- Five defendants, including Jasveen Sangha, pleaded guilty in the case.
The sentencing of Chavez and the broader case highlight the complex legal and medical issues surrounding off‑label ketamine use and the responsibilities of healthcare providers.
Closing
As the Los Angeles courtroom prepares for Chavez’s sentencing, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of ketamine when it is diverted from legitimate medical use. The proceedings underscore the need for vigilance among physicians and the profound impact such decisions can have on patients and their families.
