Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the medical professional responsible for supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine in the months leading up to his overdose death last year, has been handed a 30-month federal prison sentence.
In a somber turn of events, Dr. Plasencia apologized to Matthew Perry's family before the judge read out the sentence, acknowledging that he had breached his duty as a doctor and failed Mr. Perry. "I failed Mr. Perry," he said. "I failed his family. I should have protected him."
The sentencing comes after Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to four counts of ketamine distribution. It is worth noting that while the fatal dose was not provided by Dr. Plasencia, it remains unclear what role his actions played in Matthew Perry's death.
During the proceedings, prosecutors had requested three years in prison, while Dr. Plasencia's defense team had pushed for leniency and a chance at probation. However, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett rejected this argument, stating that Dr. Plasencia had sought to exploit Mr. Perry's addiction for his own financial gain.
"His conduct was not simply negligent," the judge said. "It was a deliberate choice to prioritize profit over patient care."
The defense team acknowledged that their client's decisions were clouded by greed, but argued that it was still a 'perfect storm of bad decision-making'. In contrast, prosecutors emphasized Dr. Plasencia's role as a licensed medical professional who had failed in his duty of care.
"It wasn't just a matter of being careless," said prosecutor Ian Yanniello. "He was a drug dealer in a white coat."
During the sentencing hearing, Matthew Perry's mother Suzanne Morrison addressed Dr. Plasencia directly, calling him out for referring to her son as a 'moron' and emphasizing the pain and suffering his actions had caused.
Dr. Plasencia remains the only one of four defendants involved in Matthew Perry's death who has been sentenced. The remaining individuals are still awaiting their court decisions.
In a somber turn of events, Dr. Plasencia apologized to Matthew Perry's family before the judge read out the sentence, acknowledging that he had breached his duty as a doctor and failed Mr. Perry. "I failed Mr. Perry," he said. "I failed his family. I should have protected him."
The sentencing comes after Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to four counts of ketamine distribution. It is worth noting that while the fatal dose was not provided by Dr. Plasencia, it remains unclear what role his actions played in Matthew Perry's death.
During the proceedings, prosecutors had requested three years in prison, while Dr. Plasencia's defense team had pushed for leniency and a chance at probation. However, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett rejected this argument, stating that Dr. Plasencia had sought to exploit Mr. Perry's addiction for his own financial gain.
"His conduct was not simply negligent," the judge said. "It was a deliberate choice to prioritize profit over patient care."
The defense team acknowledged that their client's decisions were clouded by greed, but argued that it was still a 'perfect storm of bad decision-making'. In contrast, prosecutors emphasized Dr. Plasencia's role as a licensed medical professional who had failed in his duty of care.
"It wasn't just a matter of being careless," said prosecutor Ian Yanniello. "He was a drug dealer in a white coat."
During the sentencing hearing, Matthew Perry's mother Suzanne Morrison addressed Dr. Plasencia directly, calling him out for referring to her son as a 'moron' and emphasizing the pain and suffering his actions had caused.
Dr. Plasencia remains the only one of four defendants involved in Matthew Perry's death who has been sentenced. The remaining individuals are still awaiting their court decisions.
You know what's wild? I just got back from the most amazing hiking trip last weekend and saw this tiny little squirrel trying to steal food from a camper's backpack 
. I mean, it was like it had a plan or something! The squirrel would scamper up the tree, then come back down and try again, like it was taunting the poor guy 
. Anyway, back to Dr. Plasencia... I guess you could say he got what was coming to him, but it's still sad that Matthew Perry had to go through all that. I've been meaning to start a new TV show, have you guys heard anything good lately? 
I mean, have you tried that new cookie dough ice cream from that place downtown? It's soooo good! 
Anyway, back to this story... 30 months is kinda harsh, but I guess the judge wanted to make an example out of Dr. Plasencia. But what really gets me is how Matthew Perry's mom spoke up about him calling her son a 'moron'. That must've been super hurtful for her and his family. 
. But at the same time, I do think that the sentence of 30 months is pretty fair considering the severity of what happened. It's just a shame that it took this long for someone to hold him accountable 
. And wow, Suzanne Morrison speaking truth to power like that? 
That takes so much courage and strength. My heart goes out to Matthew Perry's family and loved ones 
.
Like, what kind of doctor prioritizes profits over people?! I'm not surprised the judge wasn't having it and threw the book at him... 30 months is probably too lenient if you ask me, considering he basically sold his patient a lethal dose. And can we talk about how shady Matthew Perry's family situation was? Dr. Plasencia making those kinds of comments to Suzanne Morrison?! That's just cruel. Anyway, I'm glad justice is being served, but it's gonna be a long time before I trust any doctor again... 
. And for Dr. Plasencia to say he failed Matthew Perry's family... that's gotta be one of the hardest apologies ever 
. I mean, we all need money, but at what cost? Our lives are too precious, and our health should always come first 
.
.
. Acknowledging that he failed Matthew Perry and his family shows some serious courage on his part. 30 months in prison is a pretty hefty sentence, but at least justice will be served 
. It's also a reminder that there are still consequences for putting profits over people's well-being 
. As for Matthew Perry's mom speaking truth to power... I mean, she told Dr. Plasencia exactly how his words hurt her son and family 
, and that takes a lot of strength to do. Anyway, it's all about accountability now, and hopefully this will prevent something like this from happening again 
.
! He gets to apologize and say sorry, but it's too little, too late 
. I mean, what's the point of apologizing if you're just gonna take a 30-month slap on the wrist? It should be 10 years minimum 
. And to think he thought he could profit off Matthew Perry's addiction while pretending to care about his health 
. His defense team trying to spin it as 'perfect storm of bad decision-making'? Please, come on 
it's like the court said exactly what was wrong with him, exploiting someone's addiction for financial gain is just not okay 
. But, honestly, he's not that bad – I mean, we all make mistakes, right? He didn't intentionally try to kill Matthew Perry or anything... I don't know, maybe if the prosecution had been more chill, Dr. Plasencia would've gotten off with less time 
.
. I mean, he basically profited from supplying him with ketamine that led to his overdose death 
... maybe if he had spoken up sooner, Matt Perry might still be alive 
. The fact that the judge saw it as a deliberate choice to prioritize profit over patient care is wild 
. Anywayz, I hope this sends a strong message to all docs out there: put ur patients first, not yer bank account 