News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal ketamine distribution linked to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. The plea occurred in Los Angeles as part of a case involving multiple defendants. Plasencia acknowledged administering the drug to Perry, who was found dead in 2023. His actions raise ethical concerns in medical practices. Facing a possible 40-year sentence, Plasencia intends to surrender his medical license. The case has sparked broader discussions on substance abuse and the responsibility of medical professionals.
Los Angeles, CA — Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician from California, has pleaded guilty to four counts of the illegal distribution of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, in connection with the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry in October 2023. The plea was entered in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on July 23, 2025, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn widespread attention.
Plasencia, aged 43, is among five individuals charged in relation to Perry’s tragic death. The actor was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023. An autopsy revealed that Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning and coronary artery disease also contributing to his death.
Facing a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison, Plasencia will remain free on bond until his scheduled sentencing date of December 3, 2025. In light of his guilty plea, he has indicated intentions to surrender his medical license within 30 to 45 days. During the court proceedings, Plasencia appeared visibly emotional, utilizing tissues and responding affirmatively to the judge regarding his actions in the case.
In admitting to his involvement, Plasencia acknowledged that he injected Perry with ketamine at both his home and in the back of a parked car, confirming that these actions were not for any legitimate medical purpose. Plasencia’s medical practice included operating an urgent care clinic, where he reportedly acquired ketamine from fellow doctor Mark Chavez in San Diego. Text evidence from Plasencia indicated a desire to exploit Perry’s drug dependency, raising significant ethical and legal concerns.
Three of Plasencia’s co-defendants have already pleaded guilty in connection to the case, paving the way for continued legal repercussions. Conversely, the fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, also known as the “ketamine queen,” pleaded not guilty to charges that she supplied the dose leading to Perry’s death. Sangha’s trial is set for August 2025.
The details surrounding Perry’s death are underscored by the actor’s history with substance abuse, a topic he openly discussed, particularly during his years on the beloved sitcom “Friends.” Documented evidence indicates that Plasencia charged Perry significant amounts for the ketamine, reportedly totaling about $4,500. Within his clinic, patients were required to sign waivers addressing the charges against him, further complicating the legal landscape of this case.
According to Plasencia’s attorney, the doctor is “profoundly remorseful” for his actions and has emphasized that this case highlights the pressing need for stricter oversight within the at-home ketamine industry. This sentiment reflects ongoing conversations about the responsibility of healthcare providers in managing potent medications and the implications of their misuse.
As the legal proceedings progress, the impact of Perry’s death continues to reverberate through Hollywood and beyond. The case has reignited discussions regarding substance abuse, the dangers of illegal drug distribution, and the role of medical professionals in safeguarding their patients’ well-being against addiction and overdose.
The sentencing of Dr. Salvador Plasencia and ongoing trials of the other defendants involved in this significant case will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Matthew Perry’s tragic death and the culpability of those who contributed to it.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- ABC News
- Los Angeles Times
- Reuters
- Google Search: Matthew Perry ketamine case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ketamine
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.
