Los Angeles,CA – Dr. Keith Plasencia, the physician who pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, faces sentencing today in Los Angeles federal court. Prosecutors could seek up to 40 years in prison, though Plasencia’s legal team is arguing against incarceration, citing the notable losses he has already suffered and threats made against his family.
the case stems from an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death in October 2023,which was ruled an accidental drowning with contributing factors of acute effects of ketamine. Plasencia operated a clinic where Perry was a patient and admitted to providing the actor with the anesthetic outside of legitimate medical practice. While five additional charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement in July, the sentencing decision rests with judge Mark E.Garnett.
Plasencia’s attorneys contend a prison sentence is “neither necesary nor warranted,” emphasizing he has already lost his medical license, his clinic, and his career. They also highlighted that his family relocated out of state due to threats and harassment following media coverage of the case.Plasencia himself expressed remorse in a video statement to the judge, stating, “I made mistakes, but I want him to know that I tried to make better choices after my mistakes,” referring to his 2-year-old son.
Four other individuals involved in the case previously reached plea deals and await their own sentencing hearings. perry publicly battled addiction for decades, a struggle that began during his time on the hit television series “Friends,” where he starred as Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney cox, Lisa kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer from 1994 to 2004. The actor’s mother, Suzanne Perry, and stepfather, journalist Keith Morrison, have attended previous court proceedings and may address the court today.
