Second Doctor Sentenced in Matthew Perry's Ketamine Death Case
The second doctor involved in the tragic death of Matthew Perry, who passed away from a ketamine overdose in 2023, is set to be sentenced on Tuesday. Mark Chavez, one of five individuals charged and convicted in connection with the actor's death, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. He admitted to selling ketamine to another doctor, Salvador Plasencia, who then provided it to Perry in the weeks leading up to his death.
Despite the involvement of these medical professionals, the ketamine that ultimately caused Perry's death was not administered by them. Perry was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home in October 2023, at the age of 54. Federal prosecutors were aware of Perry's history of substance abuse and the lack of medical supervision surrounding the drug's use.
Chavez faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. The government has requested a lenient sentence of six months' home confinement, followed by two years of supervised release and 300 hours of community service. Prosecutors highlighted Chavez's role as a former ketamine clinic operator, who provided Plasencia with ketamine vials and lozenges obtained through fraudulent means.
Chavez's defense team, however, argues for a more lenient approach, emphasizing his limited involvement and the fact that he did not supply the ketamine that caused Perry's death. They point out his early acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with the investigation, including the voluntary surrender of his medical license.
Chavez's attorneys, Matthew Binninger and Zach Brooks, stated, 'The consequences Mr. Chavez has already faced are significant. He has lost his profession, suffered public disgrace, and now earns a living as an Uber driver. He has remained compliant with all terms of pretrial supervision and continues to express sincere regret for his actions.'
Both Chavez and Plasencia have relinquished their medical licenses following their guilty pleas. Plasencia was sentenced to 30 months in prison earlier this month. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in assistant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death and is scheduled for sentencing in January 2026, facing up to 15 years in prison.
Two other defendants, Erik Fleming and Jasveen Sangha, also admitted to their roles in distributing ketamine to Perry. Sangha, known as 'The Ketamine Queen,' pleaded guilty to multiple charges and faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison. The case highlights the complex web of individuals involved in the distribution and administration of ketamine, raising questions about the responsibility of medical professionals and the potential for stricter regulations.
