Physician who sold ketamine to 'Friends' actor Matthew Perry sentenced to 2 1/2 years in jail

The physician who admitted to providing ketamine to Friends actor Matthew Perry has been sentenced to two and a half years behind bars. In addition, 44-year-old Dr. Salvador Plasencia received two years of probation and a $5,600 fine from Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in a Los Angeles federal courtroom.

During the hearing, the judge clarified that Plasencia was not responsible for the fatal dose that killed Perry, but stated, You and others contributed to Mr. Perrys decline by enabling his ketamine dependence. She added, You exploited Mr. Perrys addiction for financial gain.

Perrys mother and two half-sisters delivered emotional statements describing the actors loss. Madeleine Morrison said, The world mourns my brother. He was everyones favorite friend.

Plasencia was the first among five individuals who pleaded guilty in connection with Perrys death at age 54 in 2023. Court records indicate that he knowingly took advantage of Perrys struggles with addiction, even texting another doctor that Perry was a moron who could be manipulated for profit.

Prosecutors had requested a three-year prison term, while Plasencias defense asked for just one day behind bars plus probation. Perry had initially used ketamine legally for depression, but after his regular physician refused to supply the amounts he desired, he turned to Plasencia, who admitted to illegally providing the drug knowing Perrys addiction issues.

Plasencias lawyers described him as a man who overcame poverty to become a respected doctor and called his actions with Perry reckless and the biggest mistake of his life. In July, Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine, with prosecutors dropping five other charges. The plea deal did not limit the potential sentence, which could have been as long as 40 years.

The remaining four co-defendants who have also pleaded guilty are expected to be sentenced in the coming months. Matthew Perry, famed for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, struggled with addiction for years and passed away at the age of 54 in 2023.

Author: Olivia Parker