Doctor Who Supplied Matthew Perry Ketamine Pleads Guilty, Faces 40-Year Sentence
The legal repercussions from the death of Matthew Perry, famed for his role in “Friends,” continue to unfold. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician who supplied the actor with ketamine, has entered a guilty plea and received a prison sentence.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia Sentenced for Ketamine Distribution
On February 21, 2024, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett sentenced Plasencia to 30 months in prison. This sentence follows a guilty plea from the doctor earlier in June 2023. Perry’s family members attended the hearing, marking a poignant moment in the courtroom.
- Sentencing Date: February 21, 2024
- Prison Sentence: 30 months
- Fine: $5,600
Background on Matthew Perry’s Death
Perry was found dead in his hot tub on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. The LA County Medical Examiner concluded that his death was due to the “acute effects of ketamine,” with additional factors including drowning and coronary artery disease.
In court, Dr. Plasencia expressed remorse for his involvement in Perry’s death, stating, “I failed him, I should have protected him.” During the proceedings, he had referred to Perry derogatorily in text messages, which highlighted the troubling nature of their medical relationship.
Additional Legal Developments
Plasencia’s initial plea included four counts of drug distribution, with a potential maximum penalty of 10 years for each count. However, Plasencia has agreed to voluntarily surrender his medical license in recognition of his failure to support Perry during his struggle with addiction.
Separately, Dr. Mark Chavez, another physician linked to Perry’s case, has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on December 17, 2024. The ongoing investigations, aided by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), continue to scrutinize the events surrounding Perry’s tragic passing.
Key Points
- Matthew Perry’s Death: October 28, 2023
- Cause: Acute effects of ketamine, drowning, and coronary artery disease
- Dr. Plasencia’s Sentencing: February 21, 2024, 30 months in prison
- Other Doctor’s Sentencing: Dr. Chavez on December 17, 2024
The ongoing legal battles serve as a complex backdrop to Perry’s legacy and the challenges of addiction in Hollywood. The case sheds light on the responsibilities of healthcare professionals in treating vulnerable patients.
