UPDATE: A key figure in the tragic death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry is facing sentencing today, October 28, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles. Doctor Salvador Plasencia, aged 43, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the illegal distribution of ketamine, a drug linked to Perry’s overdose.
Plasencia’s sentencing comes in the wake of Perry’s sudden death from a ketamine overdose, which has shocked fans and the entertainment community alike. The disgraced physician faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and fines exceeding $2 million. However, legal experts suggest he may receive a lighter sentence as part of a plea agreement.
In a statement, Plasencia expressed deep remorse for his actions, particularly concerning Perry, stating, “Dr. Plasencia is profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry.” His attorney, Karen Goldstein, emphasized that he intends to voluntarily surrender his medical license, acknowledging his failure to protect Perry, who struggled with addiction.
According to federal prosecutors, Plasencia learned of Perry’s interest in obtaining ketamine in late September 2023 and conspired with Dr. Mark Chavez to supply the drug. Text messages revealed Plasencia discussing pricing, mockingly referring to Perry as a “moron” for his willingness to pay $2,000 per vial. This staggering price stands in stark contrast to the mere $12 cost paid by the dealer.
The indictment states that Plasencia distributed ketamine to Perry and his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, on at least seven occasions without a legitimate medical purpose. This reckless behavior occurred despite Plasencia being informed of Perry’s spiraling addiction just a week prior to the actor’s death.
Perry was found dead in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. His death has prompted a broader investigation into the growing concern over the misuse of ketamine, particularly in the context of at-home treatments.
As the case unfolds, five individuals have been charged in connection with Perry’s death, with the lead defendant, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” facing a possible 65 years in prison. Sangha’s sentencing is scheduled for February 25, 2024.
In a striking revelation, prosecutors allege that Iwamasa injected Perry with ketamine using syringes provided by Plasencia, who continued to supply the drug even after being alerted to Perry’s deteriorating condition.
This case highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations in the rapidly expanding at-home ketamine market. As Plasencia prepares for sentencing, the call for accountability in medical practices surrounding addiction treatment has never been more pressing.
Stay tuned for further updates as the legal proceedings continue to develop in this high-profile case that has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry and beyond.
