Doctor Challenges Sentence in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case
A physician convicted in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry is appealing his 30-month prison sentence. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, has argued to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that he was acting as a drug dealer, not a medical professional, when providing ketamine to the Friends star, who passed away in October 2023. This assertion is detailed in recently obtained court documents.
Sentencing and Plea
In December, Plasencia, known to some clients as ‘Dr. P,’ received a formal sentence of 30 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. This came after he pleaded guilty two months prior to four counts of distributing ketamine. Perry, 54, was found deceased in his Los Angeles home, having drowned in a jacuzzi following a ketamine overdose.
The Appeal’s Core Argument
Court documents reveal Plasencia’s central claim: that Matthew Perry sought him out not for legitimate medical treatment, but as a consistent source for ketamine. His legal team contends that his sentencing should reflect the role of a drug dealer rather than a physician who betrayed a patient’s trust.
The documents state, “While appellant did occupy a position of trust as a physician, he did not abuse that position in committing the drug trafficking offenses. Mr. Perry saw appellant for what he was in this case, namely, a drug dealer who happened to have an ‘M.D.’ after his name.” The appeal further asserts that no fiduciary relationship existed and Perry did not grant Plasencia discretion as a treating physician. It also suggests Plasencia did not rely on medical training when selling ketamine to Perry.
Disparity in Sentencing
Plasencia also claims he received a harsher sentence than co-defendants Dr. Mark Chavez and Erik Fleming. Chavez was sentenced to eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release, while Fleming received two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Judge’s Remarks and Victim Impact
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett told Plasencia, “You took a Hippocratic oath to do no harm, but you did harm.” Earlier, Plasencia had expressed remorse in court, stating to Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, “I am so sorry.” The judge noted that Plasencia had exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction for financial gain, totaling $55,000.
Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, and stepfather, Keith Morrison, submitted a victim impact letter detailing their profound grief. They described their loss as the “bottom falling out” and expressed anger towards individuals they characterized as “greedy jackals” who undermined efforts to support their son. They specifically targeted Plasencia, alleging he administered the drug “without a legitimate medical purpose” and deeming him “among the most culpable of all.”
The Morrisons questioned the actions of a doctor who, they argued, “trades on respect, and trust.” They stated, “But this doctor conspired to break his most important vows, repeatedly, sneaked through the night to meet his victim in secret. For what, a few thousand dollars? So he could feed on the vulnerability of our son.”
Background of Ketamine Use
Matthew Perry had been using ketamine legally as a treatment for depression. Court filings indicate that while Plasencia was not accused of selling Perry the fatal dose, the actor turned to Plasencia for larger quantities when his regular doctor would not provide them. Plasencia admitted to illegally selling ketamine to Perry, aware of his struggles with addiction. Text messages revealed Plasencia referring to Perry as a “moron” who could be exploited for money.
Other Defendants
Other individuals involved in the case include Perry’s former assistant, Kenny Iwamasa, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” received a 15-year federal prison sentence. Dr. Mark Chavez also pleaded guilty and received a sentence of eight months of home detention.
Plasencia’s Defense and Remorse
Plasencia’s legal team sought to portray him as a man who overcame adversity to become a physician valued by his patients. They described his actions in selling to Perry as “reckless” and “the biggest mistake of his life.” In their sentencing memo, they stated, “Remorse cannot begin to capture the pain, regret and shame that Mr. Plasencia feels for the tragedy that unfolded and that he failed to prevent.” His lawyers had initially requested a sentence of time served followed by supervised release.
