News Summary
Doctor Salvador Plasencia has admitted guilt to distributing ketamine linked to actor Matthew Perry’s overdose death. He will surrender his medical license and faces up to 40 years in prison. The case uncovers ethical violations in ketamine distribution among medical professionals, prompting calls for stricter control over at-home therapies. As investigations continue into the network supplying the drug, the ramifications of Perry’s tragic death highlight pressing issues within mental health treatment and the responsibilities of medical practitioners.
Los Angeles – Doctor Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution of ketamine in connection with the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. The plea was entered during a court hearing on July 23, 2025, where Plasencia admitted his culpability regarding the treatment decisions related to Perry, who died on October 28, 2023, from acute ketamine effects followed by drowning. His death has been ruled accidental.
Plasencia’s attorney expressed that he is “profoundly remorseful” for his actions and is accepting responsibility. As part of the plea deal, Plasencia will voluntarily surrender his medical license, acknowledging his failure to protect Perry. Until his sentencing hearing, scheduled for December 3, 2025, Plasencia will remain free on bond. He faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with each count carrying a maximum of 10 years, along with a possible fine of $2 million.
The investigation into Perry’s death, conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department, commenced months after the actor’s passing. In August 2024, Plasencia was charged along with four others connected to Perry’s death, fueling concerns about the illicit distribution of ketamine and the responsibilities of medical professionals. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, while Erik Fleming, who supplied the ketamine that killed Perry, also admitted guilt to multiple counts. In addition, Dr. Mark Chavez has entered a guilty plea on drug distribution charges, while another defendant, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” has pleaded not guilty and is set to go to trial in August 2025.
Plasencia had access to a covert network of drug sellers and suppliers responsible for the distribution of ketamine that led to Perry’s death. Reports indicate that Perry was seeking out ketamine illegally, even while undergoing therapy for depression and anxiety. Text messages uncovered during the investigation revealed that Plasencia and another supplier ridiculed Perry for the amounts he was willing to pay for the drug, which reportedly approached $55,000 in the month preceding his death.
Further complicating matters, Plasencia instructed Iwamasa on how to administer ketamine to Perry, despite Iwamasa lacking any medical training. This has raised serious ethical concerns among federal prosecutors, who believe the actions of those charged represent a grave violation of medical ethics. The case against Plasencia is viewed as a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against the misuse of at-home ketamine therapy, which has surged in popularity in recent years.
Prosecutors are expected to use this case as a cautionary tale for both medical professionals and drug dealers, emphasizing the severe consequences that can arise from such actions. The scrutiny and legal repercussions stemming from this situation may lead to stricter oversight of the ketamine industry, particularly regarding the distribution and administration of the drug outside traditional medical settings.
Perry’s death shocked fans and industry colleagues alike, prompting discussions about the challenges surrounding mental health treatment and the importance of responsible medical practices. The outcome of this case may have lasting implications for the landscape of at-home ketamine therapies and the accountability of those involved in its distribution.
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HERE Resources
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry Overdose Case
Additional Resources
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia: Ketamine
- CNN
- Google Search: Matthew Perry death ketamine
- ABC News
- Google Scholar: Ketamine Ethics
- Al Jazeera
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medicine
- Boston.com
- Google News: Matthew Perry ketamine
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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.
