A doctor who supplied ketamine to Matthew Perry in the months before his tragic death has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia received his sentence today in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom, with Perry’s mother and half-sister present to witness justice being served.
The Santa Monica physician, who infamously called the Friends star a “moron” in text messages, also faces a $5,600 fine.
What his defense and prosecution teams battled over reveals just how serious federal authorities consider his role in the beloved actor’s overdose death.
Courtroom Apology Falls Short of What Prosecutors Wanted
U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett handed down the 2.5-year sentence after Plasencia entered a guilty plea last summer to four counts of drug distribution.
Neither side got exactly what they requested. Prosecutors pushed for 36 months behind bars, while Plasencia’s defense team argued for probation instead.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Plasencia addressed the court with what seemed like genuine remorse.
I failed him, I should have protected him.
The apology came too late. Plasencia was immediately taken into custody as the hearing concluded.
His attorney, Debra White, had previously stated that Plasencia was “profoundly remorseful” and would voluntarily surrender his medical license within 30-45 days.
The “Moron” Text That Revealed a Doctor’s Callousness
Perhaps most damning was the evidence of Plasencia’s attitude toward Perry while actively treating him.
Text messages between Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez of San Diego showed the physician referring to Perry—a patient struggling with addiction—as a “moron” while coordinating ketamine sales.
This callous disregard for a vulnerable patient fighting addiction became central to the prosecution’s case. Perry had been open about his decades-long battle with substance abuse, making Plasencia’s role particularly egregious.
Federal authorities made clear, however, that the specific ketamine dose that killed Perry did not come from Plasencia. Still, his contribution to feeding the actor’s addiction proved criminal.
October 2023: The Day Friends Fans’ Hearts Broke
Matthew Perry was found dead in his backyard hot tub on October 28, 2023, at his Pacific Palisades home.
He was 54 years old.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined in December 2023 that Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine.” Contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease, and effects of buprenorphine—a medication used to treat opioid addiction.
The beloved Emmy-winning actor had spent years publicly discussing his struggles with addiction, even detailing his journey in his memoir. Despite multiple attempts at sobriety, Perry ultimately fell victim to the very demons he’d fought so hard to overcome.
A Web of Suppliers: More Defendants Await Sentencing
Plasencia isn’t the only person facing consequences for Perry’s death.
Dr. Mark Chavez, who communicated with Plasencia about supplying Perry with ketamine, pleaded guilty to related charges. He’s scheduled for sentencing on December 17.
The investigation, conducted jointly by the LAPD and federal Drug Enforcement Agency, uncovered what prosecutors described as a network of suppliers who preyed on Perry’s addiction.
Perhaps most notably, Jasveen Sangha—dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” by authorities—remains the only defendant who hasn’t entered a guilty plea.
The “Ketamine Queen” Heads to Trial
Sangha faces serious charges including:
- Conspiracy to distribute ketamine
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Multiple drug trafficking-related counts
She has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her trial is set to begin next month, promising to reveal even more details about how Perry obtained the drugs that ultimately killed him.
What Medical Professionals Owe Vulnerable Patients
Plasencia’s case highlights a disturbing reality: doctors who exploit patients battling addiction rather than protecting them.
The physician could have faced up to 10 years in federal prison for each of his four counts—a potential 40-year maximum sentence. His plea deal significantly reduced that exposure, though he may still owe over $1 million in fines.
White acknowledged in her statement that Plasencia “failed to protect Mr. Perry, a patient who was especially vulnerable due to addiction.”
That vulnerability—and the trust patients place in medical professionals—makes these cases particularly tragic. Perry sought help for his pain and addiction but instead found doctors willing to profit from his suffering.
Perry’s Family Witnesses Justice
The presence of Perry’s mother and half-sister at Wednesday’s sentencing underscored the human cost of Plasencia’s actions.
While no prison sentence can bring Perry back, his family witnessed one of the individuals responsible for his death face consequences. More sentencings will follow in the coming months as other defendants receive their punishments.
The case serves as both a warning to medical professionals who might consider profiting from addiction and a reminder that even celebrities with resources struggle to find ethical treatment for substance abuse disorders.
Matthew Perry’s legacy extends beyond Friends and his comedic brilliance. His death has exposed a network of suppliers willing to exploit addiction for profit—and ensured they face federal prosecution for doing so.