A physician who sold ketamine to Matthew Perry and received a 30-month prison sentence is appealing the judgment, claiming he operated as a drug dealer rather than a doctor when selling the drug to the late actor. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, aged 44, argued through his defense brief that he was unfairly penalized compared to co-defendants Mark Chavez and Erik Fleming. The defense asserts that Plasencia, after admitting guilt to distributing ketamine, was not acting in his capacity as a physician but rather as a drug dealer like the other defendants.
The defense brief acknowledges the trust and specialized skills held by medical professionals but argues that these aspects did not significantly contribute to the offense in this case. Plasencia’s lawyers criticize the judge’s emphasis on his status as a physician, stating that his credentials were not essential to the drug crimes committed.
Matthew Perry, the 54-year-old actor famous for his role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” tragically died from a ketamine overdose in October 2023. Court documents revealed that Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, purchased and administered the drugs, with Perry allegedly requesting a large injection before his death. Plasencia admitted to distributing ketamine vials to Perry and Iwamasa leading up to the actor’s passing. Prior to a meeting with Perry, Plasencia messaged Chavez about the ketamine, questioning the payment amount.
The tragic incident has sparked legal actions and discussions about the responsibilities and roles of medical professionals in such situations.
