News Summary
A California physician has pleaded guilty to illegally distributing ketamine related to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. Dr. Salvador Plasencia entered the plea in federal court and could face up to 40 years in prison. He admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine without medical justification. The case highlights issues of unregulated drug distribution, especially concerning the use of substances like ketamine in at-home settings. More individuals are involved in the investigation, and oversight continues to be a significant concern within the medical community.
Los Angeles, California — Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Overdose Death
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a licensed physician practicing in California, has admitted to illegally distributing ketamine in connection with the 2023 overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. The plea was entered in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on July 23, 2025, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Perry’s death.
Details of the Plea and Charges
In court, Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal distribution of ketamine. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, although his actual sentence will depend on the court’s final decision at sentencing, scheduled for December 3, 2025. Until then, he will remain free on bond.
As part of the plea agreement, Plasencia plans to surrender his medical license within 45 days. During his court appearance, he showed signs of distress, including patting his face with tissues, and acknowledged injecting Perry with ketamine at his home and in the back seat of a parked car. He admitted these injections were not for legitimate medical purposes.
Background of the Case
Dr. Plasencia operated an urgent care clinic and obtained ketamine from another doctor, Mark Chavez, based in San Diego. Prosecutors revealed that Plasencia exchanged texts with Chavez concerning Matthew Perry, referring to the actor as a “moron” and expressing a desire to profit from his access to the drug.
In the texts, Plasencia discussed how much money he could make by providing ketamine to Perry, indicating a focus on financial gain rather than medical necessity. It was also disclosed that Plasencia illegally supplied Perry with up to 20 vials of ketamine, along with syringes and lozenges.
Connection to Perry’s Death
Medical examiners determined that ketamine was the primary cause of Perry’s death, which occurred in October 2023 at the age of 54. Perry had been using ketamine legally through an off-label prescription to treat depression, but the illicit supplies provided by Plasencia contributed to the fatal overdose.
Additional details revealed that Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, found him dead in a hot tub and was also connected to the supply chain of the drugs involved in Perry’s death.
Other Individuals Involved and Legal Proceedings
Other co-defendants in the case have already pleaded guilty, while a fifth individual, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “ketamine queen,” has entered a plea of not guilty. Sangha is scheduled for trial in August. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns about the oversight and regulation of the at-home ketamine industry, including the proliferation of illegal drug distribution networks.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
The case underscores the risks involved in the unregulated sale and use of ketamine for at-home purposes. Officials remain vigilant about addressing loopholes that allow unlicensed individuals to supply controlled substances, especially in cases involving celebrity endorsements and high-profile individuals.
Next Steps and Sentencing
Dr. Plasencia will await sentencing on December 3, 2025, and has indicated he will surrender his medical license soon. His guilty plea could result in a substantial prison term, reflecting the seriousness of his role in the circumstances leading to Matthew Perry’s untimely death.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with unregulated drug distribution and highlights the need for increased oversight of substances like ketamine that have both medical uses and potential for misuse.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Ketamine Distribution Case Linked to Actor’s Death
Dr. Salvador Plasencia Pleads Guilty in Ketamine 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
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
