Doctor Who Supplied Ketamine to Matthew Perry Sentenced to Prison and Fined Following His Death – Update
UPDATE: Doctor Sentenced in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Overdose Death
In a significant development following the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, one of the doctors involved in supplying drugs to the “Friends” star received a 30-month prison sentence today. Salvador Plasencia, who supplied ketamine to Perry shortly before his overdose in October 2023, was handed the sentence by U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett during a hearing in downtown Los Angeles.
Perry’s mother and half-sister were present as Judge Garnett ordered Plasencia to serve 2.5 years in prison along with a $5,600 fine. Plasencia had entered a guilty plea earlier this summer, prompting his immediate custody following the hearing.
In court, Plasencia reflected on his actions, describing his past comments about Perry as a “moron” in messages exchanged with Dr. Mark Chavez. “I failed him, I should have protected him,” he stated, expressing remorse for his role in the actor’s demise.
Matthew Perry was discovered deceased in his backyard hot tub on October 28, 2023.
During the hearing, neither the prosecution nor Plasencia’s defense team fully achieved their objectives. The prosecution sought a three-year prison term, while the defense requested probation.
Chavez, who also pleaded guilty in connection to Perry’s death, is projected to be sentenced on December 17.
Previous Developments:
The fallout from Matthew Perry’s overdose continues to resonate, with Plasencia previously entering a guilty plea to four counts of drug distribution in June. He appeared in court today after reaching a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Following the hearing, Ciaran McEvoy of the U.S. Attorney’s office noted that Plasencia faces a maximum sentence of 10 years per count at his upcoming sentencing hearing on December 3. He remains free on bond and plans to surrender his medical license within the next 30 to 45 days, as indicated by his legal team.
Plasencia’s attorney, Debra White, expressed that he is “profoundly remorseful” regarding his treatment decisions while caring for Perry. “He is fully accepting responsibility by pleading guilty to drug distribution,” White said, adding that Plasencia recognizes the vulnerability of Perry due to his struggle with addiction.
As part of the plea agreement, Plasencia faces potential fines exceeding $1 million, although officials clarified that the ketamine dose responsible for Perry’s death did not originate from him.
Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54, with an autopsy revealing the acute effects of ketamine as the cause of death. Additional factors included drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine, a medication used for opioid use disorder.
As legal actions progress, only one individual remains untried in connection with Perry’s death. Jasveen Sangha, referred to as the “Ketamine Queen,” faces charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, with her trial set to commence next month.
