LOS ANGELES (AP) — A doctor has admitted guilt in a scheme to distribute ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, who tragically passed away from an overdose on Tuesday. He is set to serve eight months of home confinement.
Federal Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett sentenced 55-year-old Dr. Mark Chavez, which also includes three years of supervised release.
During the proceedings, Chavez spoke to the judge, sharing that he had recently experienced a personal loss and recognized the sorrow Perry’s passing brought to many.
“I just want to extend my condolences to the Perry family,” he expressed.
Chavez was found to have provided ketamine to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who was sentenced earlier this month to 2.5 years in prison for selling the drug to Perry prior to his death.
Chavez’s attorney pointed out distinctions between the two doctors, noting that Chavez had “taken responsibility early” by cooperating with authorities and voluntarily giving up his medical license before his court date.
“These are genuine actions someone can take to meet their responsibilities,” attorney Matthew Binninger stated.
Binninger deemed the ruling a “fair and just outcome” of the case.
Perry underwent surgical anesthesia. He had reportedly been using ketamine legally to treat depression, but when his prescribed amount fell short, he sought assistance from Plasencia.
Plasencia acknowledged exploiting Perry, recognizing his struggles with addiction. Text messages revealed Plasencia referred to Perry as an “idiot” who could be exploited for profit.
Chavez admitted to acquiring ketamine through a wholesaler under misleading circumstances and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute the drug. He is not in custody at this moment.
Perry had long battled addiction but was active in his profession, achieving fame as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” which aired from 1994 to 2004 with co-stars like Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox.
Chavez is the second of five defendants to face sentencing related to Perry, who passed away in 2023 at 54.
Perry was found deceased and the coroner ruled on October 28 that ketamine was the primary cause of his death. The actor had been using the drug off-label with his personal physician for depression, an increasingly common practice.
Perry, seeking more ketamine than allowed, found Plasencia about a month before his passing. Plasencia then approached Chavez for assistance in obtaining the drug.
Chavez met Plasencia between San Diego and Los Angeles, delivering the ketamine he had acquired through deceptive means. He later admitted to providing 22 vials and nine lozenges of the drug.
Chavez will also have to complete 300 hours of community service.
The remaining three defendants who have agreed to plead guilty are set to be sentenced in separate hearings in the coming months. Garnett aims to ensure that all sentences remain consistent with one another.
