Court Sentences Doctor Who Sold Ketamine to Matthew Perry to 30 Months
The legal consequences following the heartbreaking death of Friends star Matthew Perry are beginning to take shape. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California physician, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on December 3, 2025. Dr. Plasencia was sentenced for illegally supplying Perry with ketamine. The ruling marks the first step in holding those who contributed to the actor’s death accountable. Perry’s struggle with addiction was well-known. Dr. Plasencia’s sentencing shines a light on the dangers of underground drug distribution.
What Happened to Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry, 54, was discovered at his Los Angeles home in October 2023, having died from the acute effects of ketamine. He had long struggled with addiction and depression. It was because of this that Perry was receiving prescribed ketamine infusion therapy as part of his treatment for addiction and depression. However, it was later discovered that Perry was also acquiring the drug through other means, leaving him vulnerable to unsafe practices and unregulated suppliers.
The Doctor’s Involvement
Court documents show that Dr. Plasencia, who operated an urgent-care clinic in Calabasas, provided Perry with ketamine outside of legitimate medical practice. He administered the drug to Perry at his home and even in a car, taught Perry’s assistant how to give injections, and sold vials for home use. Prosecutors argued that Plasencia knowingly exploited Perry’s vulnerability, charging exorbitant amounts while disregarding his well-documented history of addiction.
Sentencing and Consequences
U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett sentenced Dr. Plasencia to 30 months in prison and ordered him to pay a $5,600 fine. He had already pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine and surrendered his medical license. While Plasencia did not provide the specific dose that led to Perry’s death, the court found him responsible for repeatedly supplying the drug outside of safe medical standards.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next
The first sentencing of Perry’s death of Dr. Plasencia begins to offer some measure of accountability, but the case is far from over. There are still four additional individuals charged in connection with Perry’s death who are waiting for sentencing. Their cases will continue to highlight the urgent need to dismantle networks that profit from addiction. Perry’s passing is a real reminder of how vulnerable those battling addiction can be, even when seeking treatment. His openness about his struggles reached millions, and the legal outcomes now unfolding highlight the importance of protecting patients from exploitation.
