San Diego Doctor Mark Chavez Faces Sentencing Over Ketamine Supply in Matthew Perry’s Death

San Diego doctor Mark Chavez is set to be sentenced Tuesday in a Los Angeles courtroom for illegally supplying ketamine that played a role in the 2023 overdose death of Matthew Perry.

Background on Mark Chavez

Mark Chavez, 55, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one federal count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. After the plea, he surrendered his medical license and had been operating a San Diego‑area ketamine infusion clinic at the time of Perry’s death in 2023.

Timeline of the Supply

In his plea agreement, Chavez admitted that he and a second doctor, Salvador Plasencia, began supplying ketamine to Perry beginning around September 2023. The two doctors worked together to provide the drug that would later be linked to the actor’s fatal overdose.

Details of Perry’s Death

Matthew Perry, 54, was found dead on Oct. 28, 2023, by an assistant in a jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades home. The medical examiner ruled that ketamine was the primary cause of death. Perry had been receiving the drug through his regular doctor in a legal but off‑label treatment for depression, a practice that has become increasingly common. He began seeking more ketamine than his doctor would give him.

Legal Process and Sentencing

Chavez’s sentencing is expected to take place Tuesday in a Los Angeles courtroom. The case is part of a federal prosecution that focuses on the illegal distribution of ketamine. The sentencing will address the conspiracy charge and the surrender of his medical license.

Salvador Plasencia’s Case

Salvador Plasencia, 44, of Santa Monica, was sentenced to 2 ½ years in federal prison on Dec. 3 after pleading guilty last summer to four counts of distributing ketamine. He also gave up his medical license. Plasencia admitted that another patient connected him with Perry and that, starting about a month before Perry’s death, he illegally supplied the actor with 20 vials of ketamine totaling 100 mg of the drug, along with ketamine lozenges and syringes. He admitted to enlisting Chavez to supply the drug for him, according to court filings. After selling the drugs to Perry for $4,500, Plasencia allegedly asked Chavez if he could keep supplying them so they could become Perry’s “go‑to,” prosecutors said.

Other Defendants

Five defendants were charged in Perry’s death and pleaded guilty. Jasveen Sangha, known as the Ketamine Queen, faces up to 65 years in prison when she is sentenced on Feb. 25.

Impact Statements

The loved ones of actor Matthew Perry shared powerful impact statements as one of the doctors charged in his death faced sentencing. Carolyn Johnson reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 3035.

Actor’s Background

Perry struggled with addiction for years, dating back to his time on “Friends,” when he became one of the biggest stars of his generation as Chandler Bing. He starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on NBC’s megahit.

Closing

The case underscores the serious legal and medical implications of off‑label ketamine treatments and the risks associated with the illicit distribution of prescription drugs. As the sentencing proceeds, the focus remains on accountability for those who facilitated the supply that ultimately contributed to a tragic loss of life.