At a July court hearing, Plasencia pleaded guilty. For nearly an hour, the judge read the plea agreement while the doctor remained mostly silent.
Representatives for the defendant stated that he fully accepts responsibility for his actions, admitting his guilt in drug distribution and recognizing his failure to protect Perry, who struggled with addiction.
Despite an initial potential sentence of 40 years, prosecutors opted for a much lighter term. During the sentencing, Plasencia repeatedly wiped sweat from his forehead and later expressed regret in court, saying, "I let Mr. Perry down. I let his family down."
Plasencia and Jaswin Sanghe, also charged with ketamine trafficking, became key figures in the case after three other defendants, including Mark Chavez, agreed to plead guilty in exchange for cooperation with law enforcement.
According to court documents, Plasencia in text messages inquired about how much money he would receive for his actions and discussed the possibility of becoming "regular suppliers" of drugs for Perry, receiving $4,500 per delivery.
Matthew Perry was found dead in the jacuzzi of his home in Los Angeles on October 29, 2023. The cause of death was "acute ketamine exposure" and "subsequent drowning." According to the actor's attorney, Martin Estrada, Perry received 27 injections of ketamine in the last three days of his life. This medication had been prescribed to him for the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression.
