The Ketamine Connection: A Doctor's Light Sentence

A doctor involved in providing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry before his tragic death received a relatively lenient sentence. Dr. Mark Chavez, aged 55, was ordered to spend eight months under house arrest and three years on supervised release. This decision came after Chavez admitted his role in the scheme. Chavez expressed sympathy for Perry's family, mentioning his own recent loss and understanding of their grief. He had obtained ketamine and handed it over to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who was previously sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his part in the case. Chavez's legal team argued that he took responsibility early by cooperating with investigators and voluntarily giving up his medical license. They described the sentence as a fair and just outcome. Meanwhile, Perry had been using ketamine legally for depression treatment but turned to Plasencia when his regular doctor wouldn't provide the amounts he desired.Plasencia admitted to exploiting Perry, referring to him as a "moron" in texts to Chavez. Chavez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, admitting he obtained the drug through false pretenses. Perry's struggle with addiction was well-known, dating back to his time on the hit TV show "Friends. " Chavez is the second of five defendants to be sentenced in connection with Perry's death. The actor was found dead on October 28, 2023, with ketamine listed as the primary cause. Chavez will also complete 300 hours of community service, while the remaining defendants await their sentencing hearings.