A Los Angeles doctor has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to selling ketamine to Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to the “Friends” star’s tragic overdose death. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, received the sentence from Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett, who also imposed two years of probation as part of the ruling.
During the sentencing, Judge Garnett pointed out that while Plasencia did not supply the exact dose that caused Perry’s death, his actions contributed to the actor’s long-standing battle with addiction. She stated, “You and others helped Mr. Perry on the road to such an ending by continuing to feed his ketamine addiction,” and added, “You exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction for your own profit.”
Plasencia was taken from the courtroom in handcuffs, as his mother wept in the audience. Although he was said to be ready to surrender immediately, his lawyers mentioned he could have arranged a different date for his imprisonment. The courtroom was filled with emotion as Perry’s mother and two half-sisters delivered poignant victim impact statements. Madeleine Morrison, one of his sisters, expressed the reality of their loss, saying, “The world mourns my brother. He was everyone’s favorite friend.”
This case marks the first sentencing among five defendants who have pleaded guilty in connection with Perry’s death at age 54 in 2023. Plasencia admitted to capitalizing on Perry’s struggles, even referring to him in text messages to a colleague as a “moron” who could be easily exploited financially.
Prosecutors had sought a three-year prison term, while the defense aimed for just one day in custody, reflecting the gravity of their arguments. They painted Plasencia as a dedicated physician who overcame challenges to find success, claiming his decision to sell ketamine to Perry was reckless and his “biggest mistake” to date.
Perry had previously been using the anesthetic ketamine legally as a treatment for depression, but after his primary physician refused to prescribe the amounts he desired, he turned to Plasencia, who knowingly supplied him despite being aware of the actor’s addiction.
Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to four counts of ketamine distribution, with prosecutors opting to drop five additional counts in a plea deal that did not guarantee a specific sentence; the judge had the discretion to impose up to 40 years in prison. The remaining defendants involved in the case are expected to be sentenced in future hearings.
Perry’s legacy continues to resonate, as he was known for his memorable role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom “Friends,” which aired for ten successful seasons from 1994 to 2004, alongside co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. His battle with addiction serves as a haunting reminder of the challenges many face in seeking help, emphasizing the importance of empathy and support for those struggling with similar issues.
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