Los Angeles, California, December 17, 2025
Dr. Mark Chavez, a former physician in San Diego, has been sentenced to eight months of home confinement for supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, contributing to his fatal overdose. Chavez admitted to selling the drug to another doctor, who then provided it to Perry. Perry was known for his role on ‘Friends’ and was found deceased in a jacuzzi in his Los Angeles home. The case brings attention to the risks associated with the misuse of ketamine in mental health treatments.
Los Angeles, California
Dr. Mark Chavez, a former San Diego physician, has been sentenced to eight months of home confinement for his role in supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, leading to Perry’s fatal overdose in 2023.
Chavez, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and surrendered his medical license in November. He admitted to selling the drug to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who then provided it to Perry. Although Plasencia did not supply the fatal dose, he was sentenced earlier to 2.5 years in prison. Chavez’s sentence also includes three years of supervised release and 300 hours of community service.
Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the television series “Friends,” was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The medical examiner ruled that acute ketamine effects, combined with other factors, led to his death. Perry had been using ketamine legally for depression treatment but sought illicit sources when legitimate providers denied increased doses. The case highlights the misuse of ketamine, a legal anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties often abused recreationally.
Chavez is the second of five individuals convicted in connection with Perry’s death. The others awaiting sentencing include drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, intermediary Erik Fleming, and Perry’s former assistant, Iwamasa. Sangha supplied the fatal dose, and Iwamasa, who injected Perry, later discovered him deceased in his hot tub. The sentencing of these individuals is forthcoming.
Background on the Case
In the months leading up to Perry’s death, he had been receiving ketamine infusions for depression and anxiety treatment at a clinic. When his regular doctor refused to increase his dosage, Perry turned to other providers willing to exploit his drug dependency. This led to the involvement of Chavez and Plasencia in supplying ketamine to Perry. The case underscores the dangers of illicit drug distribution and the importance of proper medical oversight in the treatment of mental health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dr. Mark Chavez?
Dr. Mark Chavez is a former San Diego physician who pleaded guilty to supplying ketamine to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who then provided it to actor Matthew Perry. He was sentenced to eight months of home confinement, three years of supervised release, and 300 hours of community service.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is a legal anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, often abused recreationally. It is sometimes prescribed to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders but can be dangerous when misused.
What was Matthew Perry’s cause of death?
Matthew Perry died from acute ketamine effects, leading to unconsciousness and drowning. He had been using ketamine legally for depression treatment but sought illicit sources when legitimate providers denied increased doses.
Who else is involved in this case?
Other individuals involved include Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison, drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, intermediary Erik Fleming, and Perry’s former assistant, Iwamasa. Sentencings for these individuals are forthcoming.
What does this case highlight?
This case highlights the dangers of illicit drug distribution and the importance of proper medical oversight in the treatment of mental health conditions.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Dr. Mark Chavez |
| Sentence | Eight months of home confinement, three years of supervised release, and 300 hours of community service |
| Involvement | Supplied ketamine to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who then provided it to Matthew Perry |
| Other Convictions | Dr. Salvador Plasencia (2.5 years in prison), Jasveen Sangha, Erik Fleming, and Iwamasa (sentencings forthcoming) |
| Victim | Matthew Perry, actor known for “Friends” |
| Cause of Death | Acute ketamine effects leading to unconsciousness and drowning |
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