Doctor Who Supplied Ketamine in Matthew Perry’s Death Receives House Arrest Sentence

A former California doctor has been sentenced for his role in the ketamine overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. Mark Chavez received eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release on Tuesday. The sentencing occurred in a Los Angeles federal court.The case centers on the illegal distribution of ketamine to the “Friends” star. Perry was found dead in his hot tub on October 28, 2023.

Cooperation Leads to Lighter Sentence

Chavez, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Federal prosecutors requested home confinement instead of prison time. They cited his immediate cooperation with the investigation.Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett acknowledged Chavez’s remorse and his decision to step back. This happened after Perry had a dangerous reaction to a ketamine injection in October 2023.According to Reuters, Chavez supplied another doctor with ketamine, syringes, and gloves. That doctor, Salvador Plasencia, then injected Perry at the actor’s home. Chavez later submitted a fraudulent order form to obtain more ketamine.

A Wider Network of Distributors

The sentencing is part of a larger case involving five defendants. Prosecutors called two others the “lead defendants” in the scheme. They are doctor Salvador Plasencia and a woman dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” Jasveen Sangha.Plasencia was sentenced to 30 months in prison two weeks ago. Sangha pleaded guilty in August. She admitted selling the ketamine that was in Perry’s system the day he died.Perry’s family delivered emotional statements at Plasencia’s sentencing. His mother, Suzanne Morrison, described a “terrible hole” in their family. She said the doctors violated their oath to do no harm.

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The legal proceedings continue for the remaining defendants, marking a slow conclusion to the tragedy surrounding Matthew Perry’s death. The case highlights the severe legal consequences for medical professionals who enable addiction.

Info at your fingertips

What was Matthew Perry’s official cause of death?

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accident. It was caused by the “acute effects of ketamine.” Drowning and coronary artery disease were contributing factors.

Who else has been charged in this case?

Five people were charged. They include two doctors, a woman called the “Ketamine Queen,” Perry’s live-in assistant, and a local go-between. All have pleaded guilty to related charges.

What sentence did the other doctor receive?

Dr. Salvador Plasencia received a 30-month prison sentence. He obtained ketamine from Chavez and injected Perry directly. The judge noted Plasencia was less remorseful.

How did Perry’s family react?

His mother gave a victim impact statement at Plasencia’s sentencing. She said the defendants violated their Hippocratic Oath. The family has described an irreplaceable loss.

Why did Chavez get a lighter sentence?

Prosecutors noted his immediate cooperation. He also stopped his involvement after Perry had a bad reaction. The judge credited him for stepping away from the scheme.