Dr. Mark Chavez has been sentenced to eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release. This marks the second sentencing in connection with the 2023 death of actor Matthew Perry.
Case Background
Dr. Chavez, a physician based in San Diego, admitted to obtaining ketamine through fraudulent prescriptions from his clinic and a wholesale distributor. He subsequently sold the substance to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who then supplied it to Mr. Perry. Dr. Plasencia received a sentence of 30 months in prison earlier this month for his role in the matter.
Five individuals, including the two doctors, have pleaded guilty to drug-related charges arising from Mr. Perry's death.
Investigation and Details
The federal investigation into Mr. Perry's death focused on how he acquired ketamine through an underground drug network in Hollywood. Ketamine is a surgical anesthetic also used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and pain. Mr. Perry, who had a history of drug addiction and depression, had been prescribed the drug for his treatment. However, he reportedly sought quantities exceeding his prescribed allotment, which led to his involvement with the aforementioned drug network.
Cause of Death and Further Proceedings
A post-mortem examination determined that a high concentration of ketamine was present in Mr. Perry's blood, and his death was attributed to the "acute effects" of the substance.
Other individuals implicated in the case, including Mr. Perry's live-in assistant, Erik Fleming, and Jasveen Sangha, known as "the Ketamine Queen," are scheduled for sentencing in the coming months.