News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to illegal distribution of ketamine linked to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. Perry tragically passed away at 54, and Plasencia’s actions have raised concerns about the regulation of the ketamine industry. With a potential prison sentence of 40 years, Plasencia plans to surrender his medical license and faces further scrutiny as other defendants remain involved in ongoing trials related to this serious matter.
Los Angeles, California – Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician based in California, pleaded guilty on July 23, 2025, to four counts of illegal distribution of ketamine in connection with the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit television series “Friends,” tragically passed away at the age of 54 in October 2023.
Following his guilty plea, Plasencia could potentially face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. However, he will remain free on bond until his sentencing, which is scheduled for December 3, 2025. As part of his plea agreement, Plasencia indicated plans to surrender his medical license within 45 days.
During the court proceedings, Plasencia exhibited signs of distress, using tissues to pat his face while acknowledging his illegal actions. He admitted to administering ketamine directly to Perry, both at the actor’s residence and in the back seat of a parked vehicle. These actions were explicitly recognized as being outside any legitimate medical purpose.
Plasencia operated an urgent care clinic and had sourced ketamine from another physician, Dr. Mark Chavez, located in San Diego. Correspondence between Plasencia and Chavez revealed troubling insights, including derogatory remarks where he referred to Perry as a “moron” and expressed interest in financial gain from their interactions.
Attorneys representing Plasencia stated that he is “profoundly remorseful” for his involvement in Perry’s tragic death and has accepted full responsibility for his conduct. Other defendants implicated in the case have already entered guilty pleas; however, one defendant, Jasveen Sangha, known in the media as the “ketamine queen,” maintains her innocence and is set for trial in August.
The medical examination following Perry’s death confirmed that ketamine was the primary substance contributing to his demise. It was reported that Perry had been using ketamine through a legal yet off-label prescription aimed at addressing his depression. Plasencia illegally provided the actor with quantities of the drug, amounting to up to 20 vials, in addition to lozenges and syringes, before Perry’s fatal incident.
Evidence revealed that Plasencia sold drugs to Perry for a total of $4,500, actively seeking to establish himself as Perry’s preferred provider for ketamine treatments. In a tragic turn of events, Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s personal assistant, discovered the actor unresponsive in his hot tub. Iwamasa was also connected to the overall drug supply chain that led to Perry’s death.
This case has raised significant concerns regarding the regulation and oversight of the at-home ketamine industry, especially as it pertains to prescriptions and usage that may not align with standard medical practices. The circumstances surrounding Perry’s death have intensified scrutiny on the practices of physicians dispensing ketamine outside of conventional treatment norms.
As the matter continues to evolve and the judicial process unfolds, the implications of Plasencia’s guilty plea and the ongoing trials surrounding other defendants will likely further illuminate the complexities and dangers associated with the misuse of ketamine in clinical settings.
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Doctor Pleads Guilty to Ketamine Distribution in High-Profile 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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
