A second medical professional has been sentenced for his involvement in the chain of events that led to the tragic death of Friends star Matthew Perry from a ketamine overdose.
Doctor Avoids Prison with Home Confinement
Dr. Mark Chavez has been handed a sentence of eight months of home confinement for his part in acquiring and supplying the ketamine linked to the actor's death. This sentencing, delivered on Tuesday 16 December 2025, marks another step in the protracted legal fallout from the beloved actor's passing in October 2023.
Court proceedings revealed that Chavez obtained the powerful anaesthetic and supplied it to another doctor, Dr Salvador Plasencia. Plasencia, who had a more direct role in the sale, was previously given a sterner penalty of two-and-a-half years in prison.
The Fatal Chain of Supply
The investigation painted a detailed picture of the supply network that provided Perry with ketamine. According to reports, Perry's personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was the individual who injected the actor with the drug that caused the fatal overdose.
Further individuals implicated include Jasveen Sangha, infamously known as the “Ketamine Queen,” and Erik Fleming. Evidence showed that this pair distributed significant quantities of the drug to Perry, selling him a staggering 51 vials in the period shortly before his death.
Awaiting Final Sentencing
The legal process continues for several other defendants. Iwamasa, Fleming, and Sangha have all entered guilty pleas to charges relating to Perry's untimely death. They are currently awaiting their own sentencing dates, which will be set by the court in due course.
This case has highlighted the severe dangers of prescription drug misuse and the legal consequences for medical professionals who abuse their positions. The sentencing of Dr. Chavez, while avoiding custodial prison time, underscores the judiciary's view of his culpability in this complex and tragic case.
