News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegally distributing ketamine linked to the tragic 2023 death of actor Matthew Perry. The plea was entered in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, where Plasencia admitted to injecting Perry with the drug without valid medical purpose. Facing a maximum sentence of 40 years, he plans to surrender his medical license. The case emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory oversight of at-home drug use following the untimely death of the beloved actor, which raised concerns over the safety of ketamine prescriptions.
Los Angeles, California — July 23, 2025
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California-based physician, has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegally distributing ketamine, linked to the 2023 death of actor Matthew Perry. The guilty plea was entered in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on July 23, 2025. Perry, renowned for his role in the television series “Friends,” died in October 2023 at the age of 54. The case has drawn significant attention to the regulation and oversight of at-home drug use and prescription practices.
Details of the Guilty Plea and Charges
Plasencia faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison as a result of the charges. However, he is currently free on bond pending his sentencing scheduled for December 3, 2025. As part of his plea agreement, Plasencia plans to surrender his medical license within 45 days, effectively ceasing his medical practice.
During the court proceedings, Plasencia appeared distressed, frequently patting his face with tissues. He admitted to injecting Matthew Perry with ketamine both at Perry’s home and in the back seat of a parked car. He acknowledged that these injections were not for legitimate medical purposes, implicating himself in unlawful activity.
Connections to Perry’s Use of Ketamine
Investigations revealed that Plasencia operated an urgent care clinic and received supplies of ketamine from another doctor, Mark Chavez, based in San Diego. Records indicate that Plasencia had texted Chavez about Perry, referring to him disparagingly as a “moron,” and expressed curiosity about how much money he could profit from Perry’s injections.
Prosecutors allege that Plasencia illegally provided Perry with up to 20 vials of ketamine, as well as lozenges and syringes, in the period leading up to Perry’s death. Perry had used ketamine legally through off-label prescriptions to treat depression, but the doses and manner in which it was administered by Plasencia crossed legal boundaries.
Financial Transactions and Intent
Evidence shows that Plasencia sold drugs to Perry for approximately $4,500, indicating an intent to profit from Perry’s treatment. Prosecutors also noted that Plasencia sought to position himself as Perry’s preferred provider for ketamine, seeking to establish a commercial relationship beyond legitimate medical practice.
Other Figures in the Case
Other individuals involved in the supply chain have already pleaded guilty to related charges. However, a fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “ketamine queen,” has pleaded not guilty. Sangha is scheduled to go to trial in August and remains a significant figure in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Perry’s Death and Medical Findings
The medical examiner determined that ketamine was the primary cause of Matthew Perry’s death. Perry had been prescribed ketamine legally for depression, but the manner in which it was administered illegally contributed to his overdose. The death highlighted concerns over the safety and regulation of ketamine use outside clinical settings.
Context and Broader Implications
Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, discovered him deceased in his hot tub. Iwamasa was also involved in the drug supply chain, further illustrating the complex network behind Perry’s overdose. The case underscores growing concerns regarding the supervision and regulation of ketamine’s at-home use, especially as the drug becomes more popular for off-label purposes.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with unregulated drug distribution and highlights ongoing issues surrounding prescription oversight, drug safety, and accountability within the burgeoning at-home ketamine industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry’s Death Case
Doctor Pleads Guilty to Distributing Ketamine in Actor’s Death
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
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, 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 Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
