Ketamine Doctor for Matthew Perry Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, accused of enabling actor Matthew Perry’s ketamine addiction, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison. The sentencing occurred during a court hearing that highlighted the emotional impact of Perry’s death on his family. Perry died on October 28, 2023, due to complications related to ketamine, which he had been using to manage depression and anxiety.
Details of the Case Against Dr. Salvador Plasencia
During his sentencing, Dr. Plasencia acknowledged his mistakes and expressed remorse, stating, “I failed Matthew Perry.” U.S. District Court Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett imposed a harsher penalty than the recommended eight to 14 months, citing the abuse of trust in a medical role. She condemned the doctor for exploiting Perry’s addiction, noting that he provided the actor with 20 vials of ketamine for $55,000.
Key Facts from the Hearing
- Date of sentencing: October 2023.
- Duration of prison sentence: 30 months.
- Judge: Sherilyn Peace Garnett.
- Fine imposed: $5,600.
- Supervised release: Two years following imprisonment.
Family Impact and Testimonies
Perry’s family, including his mother Suzanne Morrison and sisters, attended the hearing. They spoke passionately about the deep void left by Perry’s passing. Morrison criticized Dr. Plasencia for violating his Hippocratic Oath, while referencing his irresponsible behavior and the emotional toll on family members. Other family members echoed similar sentiments, stressing that Plasencia’s actions directly contributed to their loss.
Doctor’s Admission and Legal Consequences
Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution in July. He admitted to falsifying patient records during a federal investigation and acknowledged injecting Perry multiple times. These actions, deemed reckless, formed the basis for his sentencing.
Prosecutors outlined the significant role he played in supplying drugs without a legitimate medical purpose. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Yanniello stated, “It wasn’t medical treatment, it was drug dealing.” This stark description of Plasencia’s actions further emphasized the court’s view of his misconduct.
Other Involved Parties and Their Sentencing
This case does not solely rest with Dr. Plasencia. Several others have been implicated in Perry’s drug supply chain:
- Jasveen Sangha: Known as the “Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood, pleaded guilty in September.
- Dr. Mark Chavez: Facing sentencing in December.
- Kenneth Iwamasa: Perry’s assistant, has a sentencing date scheduled for January.
- Erik Fleming: Alleged go-between in the ketamine sales, also awaiting sentencing.
The findings revealed that Perry had developed an addiction to intravenous ketamine while seeking treatment late in 2023. His death ultimately linked these individuals, demonstrating a larger issue of medical misconduct intertwined with addiction treatment.
