In a recent development, Salvador Plasencia, the doctor responsible for supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to his tragic overdose death in 2023, has been handed a 30-month federal prison sentence. The sentencing took place in a Los Angeles federal court, where Plasencia expressed remorse and apologized to Perry’s family for his actions, acknowledging that he had failed in his duty to care for the actor.
Plasencia, who pleaded guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution back in July, did not administer the fatal dose that led to Perry’s untimely demise. Despite the defense’s plea for probation, prosecutors pushed for a three-year prison term, arguing that the doctor had exploited Perry’s addiction for personal gain. Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett ultimately sided with the prosecution, emphasizing that Plasencia’s actions were driven by financial motives rather than a genuine intent to help Perry overcome his struggles.
During the sentencing hearing, Plasencia’s defense lawyer, Karen Goldstein, admitted that her client’s judgment had been clouded by money, describing his decisions as a “perfect storm of bad decision-making.” However, prosecutor Ian Yanniello painted a different picture, labeling Plasencia as a “drug dealer in a white coat” rather than a negligent medical provider. Text messages exchanged by Plasencia further revealed his callous attitude towards Perry’s situation, referring to the actor as a “moron” in discussions about payment for ketamine.
The impact of Perry’s death on his family was palpable during the hearing, with his mother, Suzanne Morrison, expressing her grief and disappointment towards Plasencia. She emphasized the severity of her son’s addiction and the pain caused by the doctor’s actions. Madeline Morrison, Perry’s half-sister, echoed these sentiments, condemning Plasencia for preying on Perry’s vulnerabilities and exploiting his status as a celebrity.
As the legal proceedings continue, four other individuals implicated in Perry’s death await sentencing, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of substance abuse and the importance of accountability in cases involving drug-related fatalities. The tragic loss of Matthew Perry serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of addiction and the need for stricter oversight within the medical community to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
