News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to illegal distribution of ketamine linked to the death of actor Matthew Perry. The court hearing revealed alarming details regarding the distribution network and will affect multiple defendants as investigations continue. Plasencia faces up to 40 years in prison and plans to surrender his medical license. This case highlights the broader issues surrounding unregulated ketamine use and substance abuse.
Los Angeles, California — Dr. Salvador Plasencia Pleads Guilty to Distributing Ketamine to Matthew Perry Prior to Actor’s Death
In a significant legal development in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Salvador Plasencia has admitted to guilt on four counts of illegal distribution of ketamine. The plea was entered during a court session held on July 23, 2025, marking a pivotal step in the ongoing investigation into the death of actor Matthew Perry.
Details of the Plea and Charges
The 43-year-old physician acknowledged that he supplied ketamine to Perry on multiple occasions before the actor’s untimely death. As part of his plea, Plasencia faces a potential prison sentence of up to 40 years. Despite the guilty plea, he remains free on bond until his scheduled sentencing on December 3, 2025. Following the plea, Plasencia plans to surrender his medical license within 30 to 45 days.
Circumstances Surrounding Perry’s Death
Matthew Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023, at his Los Angeles residence. An autopsy concluded that Perry’s death resulted from acute effects of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic and hallucinogenic drug. Contributing factors listed in the autopsy report include drowning and coronary artery disease. Perry’s history of substance abuse and publicly discussed struggles with addiction were well known, particularly during his time on the television sitcom “Friends.”
Legal Proceedings and Evidence
During court proceedings, Plasencia appeared emotional and responded affirmatively to questions about his actions. He admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine multiple times, both at Perry’s home and in the back of a parked car, stating that these injections were not for legitimate medical reasons. Evidence presented in court included text messages where Plasencia contacted another doctor, Mark Chavez of San Diego, expressing a desire to benefit financially from Perry’s drug dependency. The evidence further indicated that Plasencia had obtained ketamine from Chavez, highlighting a network of illegal drug distribution involving multiple parties.
Business Operations and Fee Structure
Plasencia operated an urgent care clinic where he provided ketamine treatments. The clinic’s process required patients to sign waivers that outlined the costs, which reportedly averaged around $4,500 for the treatment sessions. The investigation revealed that Perry was charged a substantial sum for the drug, raising concerns about the illegitimate prescription practices involved.
Other Individuals in the Case
In connection with the case, three other individuals, including another doctor, have already pleaded guilty. The remaining defendant, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “ketamine queen,” has been charged with supplying the dose that contributed to Perry’s death. Sangha pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial in August 2025. Her role involved the direct provision of ketamine that led to Perry’s fatal overdose.
Background Context and Legal Implications
The case sheds light on the broader issue of unregulated ketamine use, especially within at-home treatment settings. Experts have emphasized the need for stricter oversight and regulation in the industry, as misuse of the drug has been linked to serious health risks and fatalities. Plasencia’s case underscores the legal system’s efforts to hold accountable those who illegally distribute controlled substances without medical justification.
Additionally, authorities highlight that Perry’s struggles with substance abuse spanned many years, and his death emphasizes the dangers associated with unauthorized drug use and the illegal drug market. The ongoing proceedings aim to address these issues and establish accountability among those involved in such activities.
Summary
In summary, Dr. Salvador Plasencia’s guilty plea marks a notable development in the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death. His admission of guilt on multiple counts of illegal ketamine distribution, along with evidence of improper medical practices and drug procurement, reflects the serious legal implications faced by those involved. The case continues with scheduled hearings for his sentencing and upcoming trials for other defendants, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug distribution and protect public health in California and beyond.
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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 VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
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