News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegally distributing ketamine linked to actor Matthew Perry’s overdose death. Facing a possible 40-year sentence, Plasencia admits to injecting Perry with ketamine without legitimate medical purpose. This case raises serious concerns regarding the regulation of ketamine treatment practices and the accountability of healthcare providers in prescribing controlled substances. The legal proceedings continue as the industry scrutinizes its oversight amidst such tragic circumstances.
Los Angeles, California – Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician based in California, has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegally distributing ketamine associated with the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. Perry, widely recognized for his role in the acclaimed TV series “Friends,” passed away at the age of 54 in October 2023. The guilty plea was entered in U.S. District Court on July 23, 2025.
Plasencia now faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with his sentencing hearing scheduled for December 3, 2025. He will remain free on bond until that date. Following his guilty plea, he has announced plans to voluntarily surrender his medical license within the next 45 days.
During the court proceedings, Plasencia exhibited noticeable distress, using tissues to pat his face. He admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine, acknowledging that these actions were not conducted for any legitimate medical purposes. His distribution of the drug is believed to have contributed significantly to Perry’s untimely demise.
Background on the Case
Plasencia operated an urgent care clinic and obtained ketamine from another doctor, Mark Chavez, located in San Diego. Text messages revealed that Plasencia referred to Perry derogatorily and showed intentions to exploit Perry financially regarding ketamine distribution. Specifically, he texted Chavez expressing his thoughts on how much money he could make from Perry.
Renowned attorney representatives for Plasencia have characterized him as “profoundly remorseful,” asserting that he takes full accountability for his actions concerning Perry. Other individuals involved in the matter have already pleaded guilty, but a fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, identified as the “ketamine queen,” maintains her innocence and is set to go to trial in August.
Details Surrounding Matthew Perry’s Death
The medical examiner’s findings confirmed that ketamine was the primary factor leading to Perry’s death. It has been noted that Perry utilized ketamine through a legal but off-label prescription intended for treating depression prior to his passing. It was reported that Plasencia supplied Perry with up to 20 vials of ketamine, along with lozenges and syringes, which were all provided illegally.
Law enforcement uncovered evidence that Plasencia had charged Perry approximately $4,500 for these drugs, while also expressing a desire to become Perry’s primary ketamine provider. Additionally, Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s personal assistant, discovered the actor’s body in his hot tub and was also implicated in the drug supply chain.
Concerns About Ketamine Oversight
This case has sparked serious concerns regarding the regulations surrounding the at-home ketamine treatment industry. As ketamine becomes more prevalent in off-label therapy for mental health issues, the lack of oversight has raised alarms within the medical community and among the public.
The circumstances surrounding Matthew Perry’s death have become a focal point in discussions about the responsibilities of medical practitioners in the distribution of controlled substances, particularly in non-traditional treatment settings.
As the legal proceedings continue, the repercussions of this case may lead to more stringent regulations aimed at preventing future tragedies associated with improper distribution of prescription medications.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection to Actor’s Death
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry Overdose Case
Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Matthew Perry
- ABC News
- Google Search: Matthew Perry ketamine
- LA Times
- Google Scholar: Matthew Perry ketamine
- Reuters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Matthew Perry
- CBS News
- Google News: Matthew Perry death
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
