Doctor Sentenced for Distribution of Ketamine to Matthew Perry

A doctor from Los Angeles, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for illicitly distributing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the weeks before his death. He will also undergo two years of probation.

During the sentencing, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett emphasized that although Dr. Plasencia didn't administer the deadly dose, his actions played a role in Perry's ongoing battle with addiction. "You exploited Mr. Perry’s vulnerabilities for your own gain," the judge remarked.

At 44, Plasencia was the first of five individuals sentenced related to Perry’s drug supply chain. All five had admitted guilt concerning their roles in enabling the late actor's substance use.

Perry’s family expressed their sorrow during the court proceedings. His sister, Madeline Morrison, reflected, "My brother’s passing has upended my life. He was the friend everyone loved. Celebrities are real people with loved ones." Perry’s mother, Suzanne Perry, stressed his strength by stating, "He was a successful drug addict."

Court documents indicated that Plasencia had knowingly taken advantage of Perry's addiction, labeling the actor disparagingly in conversations with another doctor and admitting to manipulating him for monetary benefits.

In July, Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution, with prosecutors dropping further charges as part of a plea agreement that offered no sentencing guarantees. He could have faced up to 40 years behind bars.

Before the verdict, Plasencia tearfully expressed remorse to Perry's family, stating, "I failed to protect him. I regret it deeply. I can't fathom being in this position."

Matthew Perry, who passed away at the age of 54, had been receiving legal ketamine treatments for depression. When his primary physician refused to prescribe increased doses, he turned to Plasencia, who unlawfully provided the medicament.

Plasencia's defense portrayed him as a caring doctor emerging from modest means, emphasizing that dealing ketamine to Perry was a monumental misstep in his career.

Perry was globally recognized for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, which ran for a decade from 1994 to 2004. His long-standing battles with substance abuse ultimately culminated in his tragic passing in October 2023 due to the repercussions of ketamine.