Matthew Perry’s Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Ketamine Distribution

A doctor who supplied Matthew Perry with ketamine was sentenced to prison. Dr. Salvador Plasencia received a 30-month sentence on Wednesday. The sentencing occurred in a U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

Perry’s family attended the emotional hearing. They gave victim impact statements to the court. Dr. Plasencia admitted to distributing the drug without a legitimate medical purpose.

Family Confronts Doctor Over Actor’s Fatal Overdose

Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett handed down the sentence. She stated Plasencia abused a position of trust. The doctor exploited Perry’s addiction for profit, she said.

Prosecutors noted he sold Perry 20 vials of liquid ketamine. This occurred in the weeks before the actor’s death. Plasencia also taught Perry’s assistant how to inject the drug.

Perry died from acute ketamine effects on October 28, 2023. The autopsy confirmed the cause. According to Reuters, the actor was found unresponsive in his hot tub.

A Violation of Trust and a Profound Loss

Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, addressed the court. She said a terrible hole was cut into their family. She reminded Plasencia of the Hippocratic Oath he violated.

Other family members described their profound grief. They said the doctor contributed to their loss. They called Perry a brilliant light that was snuffed out.

Plasencia apologized directly to the family. “I failed Matthew Perry,” he told the court. He said he was sorry and should have protected him.

The judge ordered a fine and supervised release. Plasencia must pay $5,600. He will be under supervision for two years after his prison term.

This case highlights the severe legal consequences for medical professionals who enable addiction. The sentencing of Matthew Perry’s doctor closes a painful chapter for the family, emphasizing accountability in the tragic chain of events.

Info at your fingertips

What was Dr. Plasencia sentenced for?

He was sentenced for distributing ketamine. He pleaded guilty to four counts. The charges involved selling the drug to Matthew Perry without medical justification.

Did the ketamine he supply directly cause Perry’s death?

No, according to the plea agreement. The specific batch that caused the fatal overdose came from another supplier. However, his actions fed Perry’s addiction.

Who else has been charged in connection with Perry’s death?

Four other individuals were charged. This includes a woman described as a “Ketamine Queen” and Perry’s personal assistant. All have pleaded guilty.

What did Perry’s family say at the sentencing?

They spoke of their immense grief and loss. They accused Plasencia of exploiting vulnerability for money. His mother referenced disrespectful texts he sent about Perry.

What was the financial motive in this case?

Prosecutors said Plasencia and an associate sold ketamine vials for $2,000 each. They paid only about $12 per vial. Perry paid them $55,000 in total.