'Friends' Matthew Perry's Doctor Sentenced to 2 Years and 6 Months in Prison... Family Says 'Drug Dealer in a White Coat'

The eternal Chandler of the American sitcom 'Friends', the late Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to prison for the doctor who led him to his death. Amid the heart-wrenching cries of the bereaved family, the court confirmed a sentence of 2 years and 6 months in prison as a consequence of violating medical ethics.

On the 4th (local time) at the Los Angeles Federal Court, the judge sentenced Dr. Salvador Plasencia to 2 years and 6 months (30 months) in prison for illegal sale of ketamine.

◆ "He was not a doctor, but a drug dealer"

Tension filled the courtroom that day. Plasencia admitted to all four charges of illegally supplying high doses of ketamine to Perry, knowing his history of addiction. During the trial, he voluntarily surrendered his medical license and pleaded for leniency.

However, the anger of the bereaved family did not subside. Perry's father, John Perry, condemned Plasencia in a letter to the prosecution, calling him a "Dealer in a white coat". He urged for severe punishment, stating, "He preyed on my son's vulnerabilities using his position as a doctor."

◆ Court: "Violated the ethics of medical professionals"

The prosecution initially sought a 3-year sentence, but the court considered the defendant's admission of guilt and surrender of his license, resulting in a shorter sentence of 2 years and 6 months.

The court stated, "I hope this ruling sends a strong message to medical professionals that patient safety must come first," and added, "Exploiting a celebrity's substance dependency issue is unacceptable."

◆ 5 Indictments, and Remaining Tasks

Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54 at his home in LA on October 28, 2023. The cause of death was ketamine overdose. Authorities have launched a major investigation, indicting a total of 5 individuals, including Plasencia, two other doctors, a personal assistant, and a ketamine supplier (the 'Ketamine Queen').

Perry had publicly confessed to his struggles with substance addiction through his memoirs during his lifetime, and the behavior of the medical personnel who sought to profit from him has shocked the public even more.