Doctor Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegally Supplying Ketamine That Led to Matthew Perry’s Death

A California physician, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, was sentenced on Wednesday to 2½ years in federal prison for illegally providing ketamine to “Friends” star Matthew Perry, whose 2023 death was ruled an overdose caused by the drug. Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to four felony counts of illegal distribution of the anesthetic, which he had administered to Perry multiple times, including at the actor’s home and once in a parked car. Although he faced up to 40 years in prison, the court imposed a 30-month sentence along with a $5,600 fine.

Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in the jacuzzi of his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. An autopsy determined he died from the acute effects of ketamine, which caused him to lose consciousness and drown. Federal officials said Perry had been undergoing ketamine treatments for depression and anxiety but became addicted, seeking higher doses from unethical providers when licensed doctors refused. Plasencia, who surrendered his medical license in September, admitted in court that he knowingly contributed to Perry’s dependency. At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett said the doctor had helped keep Perry “on the road” to a tragic end.

Four other defendants connected to the case — Dr. Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa, Jasveen “Ketamine Queen” Sangha, and Erik Fleming — have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing. In the courtroom, Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, delivered an emotional victim impact statement, condemning Plasencia for betraying his medical oath. The doctor, visibly remorseful, told the family, “I failed Mr. Perry… I’m just so sorry.”

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