A medical professional who admitted guilt in a case connected to the ketamine supply that led to Matthew Perry's death has been sentenced, avoiding a custodial sentence.
The Sentence and Guilty Plea
Dr Mark Chavez, from San Diego, was sentenced on Tuesday to eight months of home confinement followed by three years of supervised release. This follows his guilty plea in August to a charge of conspiring to distribute the controlled substance ketamine.
Chavez is the third individual to plead guilty in relation to the tragic death of the Friends star, who was found dead at his Los Angeles home in October 2023 at the age of 54. The actor, beloved globally for his role as Chandler Bing, died from the 'acute effects of ketamine', according to the official autopsy.
Prosecutors stated that Perry was using the drug as an unconventional therapy for depression and anxiety. Court documents revealed he was taking ketamine six to eight times daily in the period before his death, supplied by what has been described as a network of corrupt doctors.
A Network of Supply and Remorse
Chavez admitted to selling ketamine to another physician, Dr Salvador Plasencia, who then provided it to Matthew Perry. Plasencia was sentenced earlier this month to 30 months in prison for his role.
Facing the court, Chavez expressed his remorse, telling the judge he understood the grief caused by Perry's passing after recently losing a loved one himself. 'I just want to say my heart goes out to the Perry family,' he said.
His lawyer, Matthew Binninger, stated that Chavez was 'incredibly remorseful' and is 'trying to do everything in his power to right the wrong that happened here'. Having been stripped of his medical licence, Chavez is now reportedly working as a ride-share driver.
Understanding Ketamine Therapy and Its Risks
Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic which, in recent years, has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant cases. In the UK, it is licensed as an anaesthetic but not as an antidepressant.
The NHS notes that while it can have a rapid impact, this often lasts only one to three days, with most patients relapsing within two weeks. The long-term effects of its use for mental health treatment are not fully known.
Private clinics, such as those run by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, report around 50% of patients respond well and wish to continue with the treatment. However, the case highlights the severe dangers of unregulated, non-medical use and supply.
In total, five people have now pleaded guilty to drug-related charges stemming from the investigation into the actor's death. Chavez and two others received lesser charges in exchange for their cooperation with prosecutors.
The sentencing coincides with the recent two-year anniversary of Perry's death, which was marked by his former Friends co-stars through a special collection of artwork for The Matthew Perry Foundation.
