UPDATE: A doctor involved in the tragic death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry is set to be sentenced today in downtown Los Angeles, following his guilty plea to federal charges of illegal ketamine distribution. Salvador Plasencia, 43, faces severe penalties, including up to 40 years in prison and a fine exceeding $2 million, after admitting his role in supplying the anesthetic that led to Perry’s fatal overdose on October 28, 2023.
Perry, who battled addiction publicly, was found dead in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home. The actor, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit show “Friends,” had detailed his struggles with substance abuse in his memoir, revealing a long history of detox attempts.
Federal prosecutors report that Plasencia, after learning of Perry’s interest in ketamine, conspired with Dr. Mark Chavez to illegally distribute the drug. Text messages revealed Plasencia’s callous attitude, with statements like, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.” Plasencia and Chavez arranged multiple transactions, selling ketamine to Perry and his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, despite knowing about Perry’s escalating addiction.
The indictment indicates that Plasencia distributed ketamine on at least seven occasions, outside the bounds of medical legitimacy. Notably, the drug was sold to Perry for $2,000 per vial, while the actual cost for dealers was only $12. This stark contrast highlights the exploitative nature of the transactions.
Plasencia’s attorney, Karen Goldstein, stated, “Dr. Plasencia is profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry. He intends to voluntarily surrender his medical license.” Goldstein emphasized that Plasencia hopes his case will prompt stricter regulations in the burgeoning at-home ketamine industry, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
The legal repercussions extend beyond Plasencia. The lead defendant, Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” faces up to 65 years in prison, with her sentencing scheduled for February 25, 2024. Other defendants, including Iwamasa and Fleming, have pleaded guilty to charges related to Perry’s death, facing significant prison time as well.
As this story develops, it raises critical questions about medical ethics and the responsibilities of healthcare providers in managing addiction. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the misuse of anesthetics, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Stay tuned for updates as the sentencing unfolds and the impact of this case continues to resonate within the medical and entertainment communities.
