Matthew Perry’s Doctor Sentenced for Supplying Ketamine

Salvador Plasencia, the doctor who supplied ketamine to Matthew Perry before the actor’s fatal overdose in 2023, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

The sentence was handed down Wednesday in a Los Angeles federal court. Court records and statements from the hearing provide these details.

Before the sentence was read, Plasencia apologized to Perry’s family. “I failed Mr. Perry. I failed his family. I should have protected him,” he said. In July, Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine, though he did not provide the dose that caused Perry’s death. Federal marshals took him into custody immediately after the sentence.

Prosecutors had requested a three-year prison term, while the defense asked for probation. Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett rejected the defense argument that Plasencia initially intended to treat Perry’s depression.

“I don’t find that rings true,” she said, noting that the doctor had tried “to exploit Mr. Perry’s addiction for your own profit.” She added that Plasencia had received $55,000 during his short relationship with Perry and commented that if the case involved a different controlled substance, he likely would have faced a longer sentence.

Plasencia’s lawyer, Karen Goldstein, said his decisions were influenced by money. “It really was a perfect storm of bad decision-making,” she explained. Prosecutor Ian Yanniello called out attempts to downplay Plasencia’s actions. “He wasn’t a negligent medical provider. He was a drug dealer in a white coat,” Yanniello said. Text messages revealed Plasencia referring to Perry as a “moron” while discussing how much he could charge for ketamine.

Perry’s family spoke during the hearing. His mother, Suzanne Morrison, said, “This is my boy. I know how addicted he was. He survived it all… To be called a ‘moron’ — there’s nothing moronic about that man… This was a bad thing you did.” His half-sister, Madeline Morrison, added that Plasencia had taken advantage of Perry’s vulnerabilities. “Celebrities are not just plastic dolls you can take advantage of. They’re people,” she said.

Four other defendants connected to Perry’s death have not yet been sentenced.

This case is a reminder of how dangerous it can be when addiction is exploited, even by someone trusted as a doctor. Plasencia’s actions had serious consequences, and the sentence shows that the justice system is taking this seriously. Do you think the punishment fits the crime? Share your thoughts in the comments.