Physician sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for selling ketamine to ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry before his overdose death

A Los Angeles federal court sentenced Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, to two and a half years in prison and two years of probation after he admitted to selling ketamine to Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to the actors overdose death.

Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett noted that although Plasencia did not supply the dose that caused Perrys death, his actions sustained the actors dependence. The judge stated that the doctor took financial advantage of Perrys struggle with addiction.

Plasencia was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing while his mother wept in the courtroom. Prior to the decision, Perrys mother and half sisters delivered emotional statements describing the deep impact of his loss.

Plasencia is the first among five defendants who have pleaded guilty in connection with the case to receive sentencing. Court records show he acknowledged exploiting Perry and even referred to him disparagingly in texts to another doctor, suggesting he viewed the actor as someone who could be used for profit.

Prosecutors requested a three year prison term, while the defense argued for one day of incarceration followed by probation. Plasencias attorneys described him as a dedicated doctor who rose from hardship, characterizing his actions toward Perry as reckless and the greatest mistake of his career.

He pleaded guilty in July to four counts of distributing ketamine, with prosecutors agreeing to drop five additional charges. The plea deal included no promise of a reduced sentence, and the judge had legal authority to impose up to forty years.

The remaining four defendants are scheduled for sentencing later. Perry, fifty four at the time of his death in 2023, had long battled addiction. He gained worldwide recognition on the series Friends, where he portrayed Chandler Bing during the shows ten season run from 1994 to 2004.

Author: Benjamin Carter