Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the physician involved in the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to supplying the late star with drugs. On December 3, 2023, United States District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett delivered the sentence, which also included a fine of $5,600 and an immediate remand into custody.
Upon hearing the verdict, Dr. Plasencia expressed his remorse with a poignant four-word statement: “I failed Mr. Perry.” This admission followed a heartfelt apology in which he added, “I failed him. I failed his family. There is no excuse. I’m just so sorry.” The emotional moment unfolded in a California courtroom, where he stood before Perry’s family and friends, visibly distressed.
The court acknowledged that while Dr. Plasencia did not directly administer the fatal dose of ketamine to Perry, his actions contributed to the actor’s descent into addiction. During the sentencing, Judge Garnett emphasized the doctor’s role in enabling Perry’s struggles, which ultimately culminated in his accidental death.
In a previous hearing on July 23, 2023, Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine. Following the sentencing, his legal team released a statement to the BBC, stating, “Mr. Plasencia accepts the Court’s sentence today with humility and deep remorse.” They characterized him as a dedicated doctor who made serious errors in his treatment decisions, particularly regarding the off-label use of ketamine.
The legal representatives argued that the prison sentence was excessive given the personal toll on Dr. Plasencia. They noted that he has already lost his medical license and career, and has faced significant public backlash. The statement highlighted the severe impact on his family, stating, “He has also been viciously attacked in the media and threatened by strangers to the point where his family has moved out of state for their safety.”
Dr. Plasencia is the first individual to be sentenced among five people charged in connection with Perry’s tragic death. The other individuals include Jasveen Sangha, also known as the “Ketamine Queen,” along with Dr. Mark Chavez, Erik Fleming, and Kenneth Iwamasa.
Matthew Perry, who was 53 years old at the time of his death, passed away on October 28, 2023, due to the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning and coronary artery disease also contributing factors. He was discovered in his hot tub at his Los Angeles residence, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office later ruled his death an accident.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the broader issues of prescription drug misuse and the responsibilities of healthcare providers in safeguarding patients’ health. The implications of Dr. Plasencia’s actions and the resulting legal consequences underscore the critical need for ethical medical practices and the importance of accountability in the healthcare profession.
