Doctor Sentenced in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case as Investigation Continues

The federal investigation into Matthew Perry’s death reached a major verdict this week as one of the central figures in the Matthew Perry ketamine case received a prison sentence. 

Former physician Salvador Plasencia was given 30 months in federal custody after admitting he supplied ketamine to the actor in the weeks leading up to his overdose. 

His sentencing is the first among several defendants tied to the case.

The Charges Against Plasencia

Plasencia pleaded guilty to multiple ketamine distribution charges earlier this year. Court records show he provided ketamine vials, lozenges, and syringes to Perry and his assistant, who helped administer them. 

These exchanges took place over a handful of days in late 2023, often during visits to Perry’s home and, in one instance, in a parking lot, which is, of course, outside a medical environment.

Although he didn’t supply the final that caused Perry’s death, investigators determined his actions contributed to a pattern of unsafe access. 

The decisions he made as a licensed physician were the central focus during the Salvador Plasencia sentencing, especially as prosecutors argued that he repeatedly violated standard medical practices.

Doctor Sentenced in Matthew Perry's Death

Throughout the proceedings, the judge said that Plasencia was trusted to provide medical care, but participated in an arrangement that lacked structure, oversight, and basic safeguards. 

His choices were a significant part of the growing risks Perry faced, especially throughout a time when the actor was struggling with his health and dependency issues.

Perry’s family attended the hearing and described the lasting grief of losing him. They spoke about how deeply the loss continues to affect them and how many people failed Matthew in the weeks before his death. Their statements underscored the emotional toll the case has taken.

Plasencia’s attorneys highlighted the personal consequences he’s already faced. He’s lost his medical license, his clinic, and his career. 

They shared that he and his family have dealt with death threats and intense public scrutiny since the case began. 

His legal team emphasized that he made serious mistakes and is now trying to rebuild his life away from medical practice.

How Plasencia Met Matthew Perry

Court documents say that Plasencia met Perry through a mutual acquaintance who said the actor was seeking ketamine treatments. 

From there, Plasencia contacted a former mentor with experience in ketamine therapy and got hold of the supplies needed for home visits. 

Over the course of several days, he continued to deliver ketamine to Perry and left additional vials with the actor’s assistant, who administered the drug without proper supervision.

These details were central to the Matthew Perry overdose investigation, which traced how multiple individuals contributed to a system that gave Perry ongoing access to a powerful sedative without medical oversight or protective boundaries.

Other Defendants Awaiting Sentencing

Plasencia is only one of five people who have pleaded guilty in the case. Perry’s assistant admitted to administering ketamine during the final days of the actor’s life.

Two additional defendants admitted to supplying the fatal dose, and another doctor who obtained ketamine is awaiting sentencing.

Each person played a different role, but prosecutors say the group collectively contributed to an unsafe chain of access. The investigation will continue to move forward as the remaining defendants await their court dates.

What Happens Next

The doctor sentenced in Matthew Perry's death will now begin his prison term, while the legal process continues for the others involved. 

This case is significant, not only because of Perry’s fame, but also because it highlights major concerns about ketamine access, medical accountability, and the responsibilities that come with prescribing powerful drugs. For Perry’s family, the court proceedings might bring clarity, but not closure. And, for investigators, their work continues. 

For those of us watching from the outside, the case serves as a reminder of how quickly systems can break down when medical protocols aren’t followed, and just how dangerous addiction can be.

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