Post by : Meena Ariff

A doctor in Los Angeles has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for unlawfully supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry shortly before the actor's untimely death. In addition, he will face two years of probation.

During the sentencing, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett emphasized that Dr. Salvador Plasencia did not deliver the fatal dose but nonetheless played a role in Perry's battle. "You took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction for your own financial benefit," stated the judge.

At 44, Plasencia became the first among five defendants sentenced related to Perry's death, all of whom admitted their roles in the drug supply to the late star.

Emotional testimonies were presented by Perry’s family during the proceedings. His sister, Madeline Morrison, remarked, "My brother's passing has altered my life completely. He was a beloved friend to many. Celebrities are human too, with families." Perry's mother, Suzanne Perry, noted his extraordinary resilience, stating, "He even managed to be a thriving addict."

Court records revealed that Plasencia took advantage of Perry's struggles. He referred to the actor derogatorily in communications with another physician, indicating he recognized Perry's dependency could be exploited for profit.

In July, Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine, with prosecutors agreeing to drop additional charges under the plea agreement, which did not include guaranteed sentencing outcomes. He was facing a maximum of 40 years.

Before the sentencing decision, Plasencia expressed remorse to Perry's family, saying tearfully, "I should have looked out for him. This pain is immense. I can't believe I'm in this position now."

Perry, who died at 54, had been using ketamine legally to address depression issues. When his usual doctor refused to increase the dosage, he sought out Plasencia, who knowingly provided the drug unlawfully.

Legal representatives for Plasencia characterized him as a caring physician who overcame significant hardships, labeling the sale of ketamine to Perry as the "worst error of his career."

Matthew Perry was celebrated globally for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, which ran from 1994 to 2004. He struggled with substance abuse for several years, leading ultimately to his passing in October 2023 due to the effects of ketamine.

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