California Doctor to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case

A California-based physician, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to charges related to supplying actor Matthew Perry with ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, prior to the Friends star’s untimely death in October 2023.

 Guilty Plea Confirmed by Federal Authorities

According to a statement from federal prosecutors, Dr. Plasencia is expected to formally plead guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution, which collectively carry a maximum prison sentence of 40 years. The plea hearing is anticipated to take place in the coming weeks as part of a broader investigation into unauthorized drug distribution.

 Matthew Perry’s Tragic Passing

The beloved actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, was found deceased in the hot tub of his Los Angeles residence in October 2023 at the age of 54. While Perry had long been open about his battles with addiction and depression, news of his death sent shockwaves through his global fanbase.

 Ketamine Use and Illegal Distribution

Although Perry was reportedly receiving legally prescribed ketamine as part of his treatment for depression, prosecutors claim that he sought larger quantities than what his medical prescription allowed. This led him to acquire ketamine from an alleged underground network of individuals, including Dr. Plasencia.

According to court documents, the doctor administered ketamine personally to Perry — including at the actor’s residence and even in a parking lot near the Long Beach Aquarium. Further, he allegedly instructed Perry’s assistant — also named in the case — on how to administer the drug independently. The assistant was also provided with vials and syringes for continued use at home.

 Text Messages and Shocking Details

Text messages submitted as evidence include disturbing remarks from Dr. Plasencia, reportedly referring to Perry as a “moron” while discussing how much money the actor might be willing to spend for additional drugs. These messages were retrieved through communications with another physician, Dr. Mark Chavez, who has already pleaded guilty in the same case.

Between September 30 and October 12, 2023, Dr. Plasencia is said to have sold Perry and his assistant twenty vials of ketamine, each containing 5ml at 100mg/ml concentration, in addition to ketamine lozenges and syringes, as stated in the official plea documents.

Wider Criminal Investigation Underway

Dr. Plasencia is one of five individuals charged in connection with what prosecutors describe as a covert network of drug suppliers and medical professionals. Authorities continue to investigate the scope of this network and the role each individual played in facilitating Matthew Perry’s access to unregulated amounts of ketamine.

As of now, no comment has been issued by Dr. Plasencia’s legal team.