Additional Coverage:
- Doctor to be sentenced for selling Matthew Perry ketamine before ‘Friends’ star’s overdose death (nbcnews.com)
LOS ANGELES – The legal fallout surrounding the tragic death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry continues, with a doctor set to face sentencing this Wednesday for his role in providing ketamine to the actor. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, is the first of five individuals to be sentenced in the case, having pleaded guilty to illegally selling large quantities of the anesthetic to Perry.
Prosecutors are seeking a three-year prison sentence for Dr. Plasencia, who admitted to distributing ketamine to Perry in the weeks leading up to his overdose death on October 28, 2023.
While Plasencia was not accused of providing the fatal dose, court documents reveal a troubling pattern of exploitation. Perry, who was legally receiving ketamine for depression treatment, turned to Plasencia when his regular doctor would not meet his desired dosage.
Plasencia, aware of Perry’s struggles with addiction, allegedly referred to the actor as a “moron” who could be “exploited for money.”
“Rather than do what was best for Mr. Perry – someone who had struggled with addiction for most of his life – defendant sought to exploit Perry’s medical vulnerability for profit,” the prosecution’s sentencing memo stated.
In an effort to paint a more sympathetic picture, Plasencia’s defense lawyers described him as a man who overcame poverty to become a respected doctor, beloved by his patients. They characterized his actions with Perry as “reckless” and “the biggest mistake of his life.”
“Remorse cannot begin to capture the pain, regret and shame that Mr. Plasencia feels for the tragedy that unfolded and that he failed to prevent,” the defense memo read.
His attorneys argued against a prison sentence, highlighting that Plasencia has already lost his medical license, clinic, and career. They also noted that he has faced severe public backlash and threats, prompting his family to relocate out of state for safety. Plasencia, now living in Arizona with his wife and two-year-old son, expressed his desire for his son to be proud of him, acknowledging his mistakes and vowing to make better choices.
Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to four counts of ketamine distribution, with prosecutors agreeing to drop five other counts. U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett has the authority to impose a sentence of up to 40 years, despite the plea agreement.
Perry’s mother, Suzanne Perry, and stepfather, “Dateline” journalist Keith Morrison, have attended previous hearings and may be among those given the opportunity to speak before Plasencia is sentenced. The remaining four defendants who entered plea deals will face their own sentencing hearings in the coming months.
Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit NBC sitcom “Friends,” battled addiction for many years, a struggle that continued long after the show’s conclusion in 2004.