by Los Angeles, California — A California physician, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years (30 months) in federal prison for illegally distributing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, marking the first criminal conviction connected to the beloved Friends star’s tragic death in October 2023.
Plasencia, who operated an urgent-care clinic in Malibu, was among five individuals federally charged following the passing of 54-year-old Perry, known worldwide for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing on NBC’s Friends (1994–2004).
Emotional Hearing: Doctor Apologizes to Perry’s Family
During an emotional sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Plasencia turned to Perry’s family and offered a direct apology, saying:
“I am just so sorry.”
Visibly shaken, he spoke of how he would one day have to explain his role to his son, stating:
“I failed to protect a mother’s son. I failed Mr. Perry, I failed his family, and I failed myself.”
Plasencia reached a plea deal prior to trial and pleaded guilty on July 23 to four counts of ketamine distribution. Notably, he was not charged with supplying the dose that directly caused Perry’s death.
Judge Condemns “Drug Dealing in a White Coat”
U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett delivered the sentence, along with a $5,600 fine, criticizing Plasencia for betraying his medical oath.
“It does not feel like a caring doctor/patient relationship; it feels like selling drugs for profit,” she said.
“You took an oath to do no harm, but you did harm.”
Judge Garnett noted that Plasencia made roughly $55,000 from supplying ketamine to Perry, adding:
“You exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction… helping him stay on the road to such an ending.”
Details of the Days Leading Up to Perry’s Death
According to investigators, Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. His personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, discovered him—and was also identified as the person who injected Perry with ketamine in the days leading up to the fatal overdose.
Court filings reveal that Iwamasa had no medical training and had administered more than 20 ketamine injections within four days, including three shots on the day Perry died.
In December 2023, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Perry’s cause of death as the “acute effects of ketamine.” Additional contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the presence of buprenorphine, a medication used for opioid addiction.
Perry’s Mother Condemns “Predatory” Medical Practices
Perry’s mother, Suzanne, delivered a powerful statement, describing her son as “one of the strongest men” she had ever known.
“I used to think he could not die… he would rise out of the most critical situations,” she said.
Prosecutors: “Not Medical Treatment — Drug Dealing”
U.S. Attorney Ian Yanniello accused Plasencia of exploiting Perry’s severe addiction for financial gain:
“He was a drug dealer in a white coat.”
Yanniello emphasized that Perry initially received ketamine legally for depression treatment, but turned to illegal suppliers when medical professionals refused to continue prescribing the drug.
Defense: “A Good Doctor Who Made Serious Mistakes”
After sentencing, Plasencia’s attorneys, Karen L. Goldstein and Debra S. White, issued a statement noting their client’s remorse.
They argued he was not a villain, but a doctor who exercised poor judgment in his off-label treatment decisions over 13 days, mistakes that “will stay with him forever.”
Criminal Network Allegedly Targeted Perry
The Department of Justice claims an underground drug network capitalized on Perry’s struggles, illegally supplying him ketamine after legitimate medical sources cut him off.
The investigation into other individuals involved remains ongoing.
What Do You Think?
Should stricter safeguards be placed on ketamine treatments to protect vulnerable patients? Share your thoughts, reactions, and opinions in the comments below.
