Physician who illegally sold ketamine to 'Friends' actor Matthew Perry receives prison sentence

The Los Angeles-based doctor who provided ketamine to "Friends" star Matthew Perry prior to his 2023 overdose has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who has voluntarily surrendered his medical license, pleaded guilty in July to four counts of illegally distributing the prescription anesthetic in connection with Perry's death.

Plasencia, formerly the operator of an urgent care clinic in Calabasas, California, is the first of five individuals involved in the case to receive sentencing. During the federal court hearing in Los Angeles, he addressed Perry's family, expressing remorse and stating, "I'm just so sorry."

Following the Dec. 3 sentencing, Plasencias attorneys described him as accepting the outcome with "humility and deep remorse." They emphasized that the mistakes he made during the 13 days of treating Perry will remain with him permanently. The legal team highlighted that Plasencia voluntarily gave up his medical license and aims to continue contributing to his community while helping other doctors avoid similar errors.

His attorneys also defended his character, describing him as a "compassionate, caring, and conscientious doctor" whose clinic served a vital role in the community. They stressed that while he made serious errors in the off-label use of ketamine, he "is not a villain" and was respected by his patients.

Other individuals involved in the case include Jasveen Sangha, referred to by prosecutors as the "Ketamine Queen" of North Hollywood, who allegedly supplied Perry with the ketamine that contributed to his death.

Author: Noah Whitman