News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to distributing illegal quantities of ketamine, linked to actor Matthew Perry’s death. The court proceedings revealed that Plasencia injected Perry with the substance for non-medical reasons. He faces a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison and intends to surrender his medical license. Three other co-defendants have also pleaded guilty in this ongoing case, sparking discussions about the regulation of ketamine and its misuse.
Los Angeles, CA — Dr. Salvador Plasencia Pleads Guilty to Distributing Ketamine Related to Matthew Perry’s Death
On July 23, 2025, in a U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California-based physician, admitted to distributing illegal quantities of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic and dissociative drug. This plea is part of broader charges linked to the death of actor Matthew Perry, who was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023.
Key Details of the Case
Matthew Perry, known for his role on the popular TV show “Friends,” died at age 54 from the acute effects of ketamine. His death was also attributed to drowning and underlying coronary artery disease. Perry had a documented history of substance abuse and publicly acknowledged struggles related to addiction. His overdose prompted investigations into illegal drug distribution and supply chains associated with mental health and addiction treatment.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 43, has faced multiple charges, including four counts of illegal distribution of ketamine. His plea agreement indicates he injected Perry with ketamine at his residence and in a parked car—activities that were explicitly not for legitimate medical treatment.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The court proceedings revealed that Plasencia could face a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison. Despite his guilty plea, he remains free on bond until his sentencing, which is scheduled for December 3, 2025. Following his plea, Plasencia expressed remorse and indicated his intention to surrender his medical license within 30 to 45 days, effectively ending his medical practice.
During the court hearing, Plasencia appeared emotional, using tissues and providing responses to the judge that indicated acknowledgment of his actions. He admitted that he had provided ketamine to Perry for non-medical reasons, which is illegal and considers a violation of medical and criminal laws.
Details of the Distribution and Collaboration
Investigators found that Plasencia acquired ketamine from Mark Chavez, a fellow doctor based in San Diego. Evidence in the case indicated that Plasencia texted Chavez about Perry, with messages suggesting an intent to sell or profit from Perry’s alleged drug dependency. The abuse of Perry and the focus on financial gain are central themes in the case.
Reports show that Perry was charged about $4,500 for the ketamine he received from Plasencia. The physician’s clinic required patients to sign waivers, possibly to mitigate liability, but the charges highlight concerns about the safety and regulation of at-home ketamine treatments.
Co-defendants and Related Legal Actions
In addition to Plasencia, three other co-defendants have pleaded guilty, including another medical professional. However, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “ketamine queen,” remains at the center of the case, as she has been charged with supplying the drug that led to Perry’s death. Sangha has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is scheduled for August 2025.
Broader Context and Industry Oversight
The case has sparked ongoing discussions about the regulation of ketamine, especially concerning at-home treatment clinics. The attorney representing Plasencia emphasized that his client’s actions underscore the need for stricter oversight in the industry to prevent misuse and illegal distribution of the drug.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of concern over the misuse of ketamine and similar substances among individuals dealing with substance dependency or seeking off-label treatments outside of regulated medical environments. Perry’s high-profile case has brought renewed attention to these issues, highlighting the importance of proper control and supervision in the distribution of controlled substances.
Conclusion
As Dr. Salvador Plasencia prepares for sentencing, the case continues to serve as a reminder of the serious legal and health consequences surrounding illegal drug distribution. The court’s decisions and ongoing proceedings will further clarify accountability in this case and inform discussions on ketamine regulation moving forward.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- ABC News
- Los Angeles Times
- Reuters
- Google Search: Matthew Perry ketamine case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ketamine
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
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.
