A doctor convicted in Matthew Perry‘s death has made a stunning plea in his bid to have his sentence reduced.
One of the physicians involved in the scandal has now appealed, claiming an argument contrary to his own medical profession. The admission has come as a surprise and continues to spotlight the long-running case.
Matthew Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, while in his home in Los Angeles. The death of the actor was determined to be the result of the “acute effects” of ketamine.
Matthew Perry’s Doctor Embraces Drug Dealer Tag For Appeal
Dr. Salvador Plasencia filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He argued the trial judge wrongly enhanced his sentence for abusing his position of trust as a medical professional.
Plasencia’s legal team claimed Perry was not trying to get a “legitimate medical assessment. He was only searching for a dependable source of drugs. Plasencia was a dealer, not a doctor.”
Sentenced to 30 months in December 2025, the doctor pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine. As part of his plea agreement, he also gave up his California medical license. The appeal now requests a new sentencing hearing, according to TMZ.
A Co-Conspirator Walked Away With A Far Lighter Sentence
Plasencia was not the only medical professional convicted in the case. Dr. Mark Chavez, who supplied the ketamine that Plasencia then sold to Perry, received a significantly lighter punishment, as reported by The Blast.
Chavez was sentenced to eight months of home confinement and 300 hours of community service by the same judge. He had obtained the ketamine fraudulently, using a false prescription at his former workplace, then sold it to Plasencia.
The stark contrast between the two sentences, 30 months in prison versus eight months at home, underscored how courts weighed the different roles each doctor played in the chain of events that led to the actor’s death.
A Case That Refuses To Close
The legal fallout of Perry’s death continues to be far from over. With Plasencia’s appeal now in motion, all five defendants have been sentenced, but an appeal process will keep courtroom fights surrounding the case alive well into 2026.
The name of the actor who brought the character Chandler Bing to life has been in the news for almost three years since his death. His foundation still strives to help those fighting addiction, the very struggle that defined much of his life and ultimately ended his.
Matthew Perry’s Personal Assistant Hit With Prison Time
The final of five defendants to be sentenced was live-in assistant Perry’s Kenneth Iwamasa. The Blast reported on May 27, 2026, that Iwamasa received a 41-month prison sentence, along with combined fines of $10,100 and two years of supervised release after serving his term.
Iwamasa had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, which caused death. The defense contended for just six months in prison and six months of house arrest. But the prosecution wanted more severe punishment, and the judge agreed.
The assistant was ordered to surrender to authorities by July 17, 2026. Iwamasa had already told the court that he was “too close” to his boss to refuse when he repeatedly asked him to take the drug.
Matthew Perry’s Legacy Available For His Fans To Help His Foundation
Amid ongoing legal proceedings, the late comedian’s memory lives on through a major auction. A collection of Perry’s personal belongings is heading to Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, on June 5. It was reported that proceeds from the sale will benefit the Matthew Perry Foundation.
The sale features an emotional range of items, including handwritten ‘Friends’ scripts, personal tennis rackets, ‘Batman’ memorabilia, and a rare Banksy work. One of the most coveted items is an outline of “Friends”, the original title “Six of One.”
Heritage Auctions’ Senior Director of Hollywood & Entertainment, Brian Chanes, noted the emotional weight surrounding the collection. “The outpour of enthusiasm and support and adoration for Matt has been amazing,” he said. For fans, the auction is more than a sale; it is a tribute.
Whether Dr. Salvador Plasencia’s bold legal gamble pays off remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Matthew Perry’s legacy is far from forgotten!