Matthew Perry Ketamine Doctor Sentenced to Two and a Half Years
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who was among those indicted in relation to the passing of Matthew Perry, has received his sentence following his admission of guilt in the legal proceedings.
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday, December 3, Plasencia received a prison term of 30 months, which is just under two and a half years. Additionally, Plasencia is slated to undergo two years of probation after completing his incarceration.
The Department of Justice disclosed on June 16 that Plasencia was anticipated to admit guilt to four charges concerning the dissemination of ketamine, originating from Perry's fatal overdose of the substance in October 2023. Prosecutors indicated then that this charge carried a potential maximum legal penalty of 40 years in a federal correctional facility.
Further information regarding the matter came to light upon the submission of Plasencia's plea agreement on June 16. In the weeks preceding Perry's demise at 54 years old, Plasencia provided 20 ketamine vials, ketamine lozenges, and syringes to both Perry and his aide, Kenneth Iwamasa.
The Inquiry into Matthew Perry's Demise: A Full Chronology
His plea agreement stated, “[Plasencia] acknowledges that his actions did not meet the appropriate medical care standards and that the provision of ketamine vials to Defendant Iwamasa and Victim M.P. lacked a justifiable medical objective.”
According to the agreement, approximately a month prior to Perry's passing, a patient of Plasencia's introduced him to Perry, whom the unnamed patient characterized as a “‘prominent individual’ desiring ketamine and prepared to remit ‘cash and considerable sums’ for ketamine therapy.” Plasencia procured the ketamine supplies from Dr. Mark Chavez and then administered the substance to Perry at his residence on several instances, concurrently leaving vials and lozenges for Iwamasa to distribute. For one particular visit, Plasencia received a payment of $12,000.
During a ketamine administration by Plasencia at Perry’s residence on October 12, 2023, Perry experienced a surge in blood pressure, causing him to “become incapacitated.”
Inquiry into Matthew Perry's Demise: Profiles of the Five Accused Individuals
The plea agreement stated, “Despite Victim M.P.’s adverse reaction, the defendant provided extra ketamine vials to Defendant Iwamasa, aware that Defendant Iwamasa would administer the ketamine intravenously to Victim M.P.”
The day prior to Perry’s demise, Plasencia messaged Iwamasa, notifying him that he had acquired an additional 10 ketamine vials via a licensed pharmaceutical firm, utilizing his DEA certification.
“I understand you indicated a pause. I have, in the interim, been accumulating stock,” Plasencia penned. “I am uncertain of your plans to recommence, but should it be when I am away this weekend, I have deposited provisions with a nurse of mine … I can always apprise her of the arrangement.”
Public Figures Discussing Their Experiences with Ketamine
In December 2023, Perry’s fatal cause was identified as “the immediate impacts of ketamine.” The plea agreement clarified that the ketamine responsible for his overdose was not supplied by Plasencia.
Plasencia was one of five individuals indicted in relation to Perry’s passing. Chavez admitted guilt to ketamine distribution in October 2024, while Iwamasa confessed to a single count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death in August 2024. Eric Fleming — who acknowledged providing the ketamine that caused Perry’s demise — entered a guilty plea in August 2024 to a charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and a charge of ketamine distribution leading to death.
Jasveen Sangha — alleged to have sold ketamine to Perry and collaborated with Fleming and Iwamasa in dispensing the drugs to the deceased actor — entered a not guilty plea in August 2024 to charges including one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of operating a drug-involved property, one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possession of ketamine with intent to distribute, and five counts of ketamine distribution.
