A physician who admitted to selling ketamine to Matthew Perry before the actor’s fatal overdose was sentenced to two and a half years in prison by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in Los Angeles. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, also received two years of probation.
Judge Garnett clarified that while Plasencia did not directly supply the ketamine that led to Perry’s death, he played a role in fueling Perry’s addiction by providing the drug. She criticized Plasencia for capitalizing on Perry’s struggles for personal gain.
Plasencia’s sentencing evoked emotional scenes as he was taken into custody, accompanied by his distraught mother. Prior to the sentencing, Perry’s mother and half-sisters delivered emotional impact statements, highlighting the profound impact of Perry’s death on their lives.
Madeline Morrison, Perry’s sister, expressed the devastating impact of losing her brother, describing him as a beloved figure whose absence is deeply felt. She emphasized that celebrities, like her brother, are not objects to be exploited but are individuals with families and emotions.
Suzanne Perry, Perry’s mother, reflected on her son’s resilience in overcoming challenges in life, emphasizing his strength even in the face of addiction struggles. She defended her son against derogatory remarks, affirming his intelligence and success despite his battles.
Plasencia was the first of five defendants involved in Perry’s death to be sentenced. He pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine and acknowledged taking advantage of Perry’s addiction. Prosecutors had sought a three-year prison term, while the defense argued for a minimal prison sentence with probation.
During the sentencing, Plasencia expressed remorse and sorrow for failing to protect Perry, acknowledging the pain he caused Perry’s family. He admitted to illegally selling ketamine to Perry, knowing the actor’s struggles with addiction.
Perry had been using ketamine legally for depression treatment before turning to illegal sources due to unmet dosage demands. Plasencia’s legal team depicted him as a compassionate physician who erred in selling drugs to Perry. Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the TV show Friends, battled addiction for years before his untimely death at the age of 54.
The remaining defendants involved in Perry’s case will face sentencing in the following months.
