Physician who sold ketamine to Matthew Perry sentenced to 30 months in jail

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California physician involved in providing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry shortly before his death, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Court records indicate he is the first of five individuals facing punishment related to Perry's 2023 overdose.

Guilty Plea and Charges

The 44-year-old doctor admitted to four counts of distributing ketamine, a potent anesthetic. He acknowledged illegally supplying the drug to Perry, fully aware of the actor's history of addiction. Between late September and mid-October 2023, Plasencia provided Perry with 20 vials of ketamine, ketamine lozenges, and syringes. On several occasions, he left the substances with Perrys untrained assistant and at times administered injections himself, including in public settings such as the back seat of a car.

Court documents revealed text messages in which Plasencia discussed pricing with a colleague, referring to Perry disparagingly and ultimately charging him roughly $57,000.

Sentencing Details

Under his plea agreement, Plasencia faced up to 40 years in prison. Prosecutors recommended a three-year term, while his attorneys requested probation, citing the loss of his license, clinic, and career. U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett sentenced him to 30 months, followed by two years of supervised release, along with a $5,600 fine and a $400 special assessment.

During sentencing, Judge Garnett clarified that Plasencia did not administer the dose responsible for Perry's death, but highlighted that his actions contributed to the actor's addiction and eventual demise. She stated, "You and others helped Mr. Perry on the road to such an ending by continuing to feed his ketamine addiction. You exploited Mr. Perry's addiction for your own profit."

Victim Impact and Family Statements

Perrys family addressed the court, with his mother Suzanne Perry and stepfather Keith Morrison speaking. In their statements, they described Plasencia as among the most culpable and criticized his exploitation of Perry's vulnerability. Suzanne Perry directly rejected the derogatory remarks Plasencia made about her son, emphasizing his generosity and humor.

Plasencias Apology

Plasencia appeared visibly emotional during the hearing, apologizing to the court and Perrys family. He said, "I failed Mr. Perry. I failed him," acknowledging his responsibility and expressing remorse. His attorneys stated that he accepts the sentence with humility and hopes it serves as a warning to other medical professionals.

Case Background

Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on "Friends," was 54 when he was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home in October 2023. The medical examiner determined that his death resulted from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and other substances contributing.

Sentencing for four other individuals involved in Perrys death is scheduled in the coming months.

Author: Grace Ellison