Matthew Perry’s Doctor Jailed for Ketamine Supply
A former doctor who provided ketamine to the late actor Matthew Perry has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Salvador Plasencia, referred to as “Dr. P” by Perry, received this ruling on a Wednesday in downtown Los Angeles. Following the sentencing, Plasencia surrendered immediately to begin serving his term.
Details of the Sentencing
In addition to his prison sentence, Plasencia will undergo two years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett critically addressed Plasencia, stating, “You took a Hippocratic oath to do no harm, but you did harm.” The judge emphasized that his actions contributed to Perry’s struggles with addiction.
Pleading Guilty to Ketamine Distribution
- Plasencia pleaded guilty to four felony counts of ketamine distribution in July 2023.
- He was among five individuals charged in connection with Perry’s death, which occurred on October 28, 2023.
- Prosecutors aimed for a three-year sentence, noting that while Plasencia did not provide the fatal dose, his actions greatly influenced Perry’s battle with addiction.
Impact on Perry’s Family
During the two-hour hearing, Perry’s family expressed their anguish. His mother, Suzanne Morrison, confronted Plasencia, highlighting her son’s tragic end. Plasencia, in a moment of remorse, acknowledged his failure, stating, “I should have protected him. It was my oath to protect him.” He expressed sorrow over his actions and their consequences on Perry’s family.
The Medical Background of Salvador Plasencia
Plasencia operated Malibu Canyon Urgent Care, where he was authorized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes. In late September 2023, he was introduced to Perry through a patient and began discussions about ketamine treatment, pricing the drug in text exchanges with others involved.
Co-Conspirators and Broader Implications
Plasencia was one of five co-conspirators facing charges. Others involved include Dr. Mark Chavez and Perry’s former personal assistant. Each has pleaded guilty, raising concerns about the medical community’s responsibility in safeguarding vulnerable patients.
Understanding Ketamine’s Risks
Initially used as an anesthetic, ketamine has gained notoriety for its potential for abuse, particularly for its dissociative effects. Plasencia’s willingness to provide the drug, despite indications of Perry’s addiction, has sparked criticism of medical ethics and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
In a letter submitted prior to sentencing, Plasencia expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging that his poor judgment and pursuit of financial gain clouded his medical responsibilities. He pledged to learn from this tragic chapter, which has impacted not only his life but also the lives of Perry’s loved ones.
