
Thu Dec 04 01:56:26 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Dr. Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, plus probation and a fine, for supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, leading to his overdose death. The sentencing took place in an emotional hearing where Perry’s family gave tearful victim impact statements. The judge emphasized that while Plasencia didn’t directly cause Perry’s death, he contributed to it by fueling his addiction for profit. Plasencia apologized to Perry’s family. He was one of five people charged in connection to Perry’s death. The defense argued he was a doctor whose judgment was clouded by money, while the prosecution depicted him as a drug dealer in a white coat.
News Article:
Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Supplying Ketamine to Matthew Perry
Los Angeles, December 4, 2025 (The Hindu e-Paper) – Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, followed by two years of probation and a $5,600 fine, in a Los Angeles federal courtroom on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, for supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry. Perry’s fatal overdose in 2023 shook the world.
Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett stated that while Plasencia was not directly responsible for Perry’s death, he exploited the actor’s addiction for financial gain, contributing to his downward spiral. “You and others helped Mr. Perry on the road to such an ending by continuing to feed his ketamine addiction,” she told Plasencia.
The sentencing hearing was marked by emotional testimony from Perry’s family. His sister, Madeline Morrison, described the profound impact of his loss. Perry’s mother, Suzanne Perry, addressed Plasencia directly, saying, “There is nothing moronic about that man. He was even a successful drug addict.”
Plasencia apologized to Perry’s family, tearfully stating, “I should have protected him.” His lawyers attempted to portray him as a compassionate doctor, but prosecutors argued he acted as a drug dealer abusing his position.
Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine in July 2025. He is the first of five defendants to be sentenced in connection to Perry’s death. The remaining individuals are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months.