News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution linked to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. The plea deal, made during a federal court appearance, may result in a 40-year prison sentence. Evidence revealed Plasencia sold and administered ketamine to Perry, despite knowing about his addiction issues. As the case unfolds, it raises important questions about medical ethics and the responsibility of healthcare professionals in the treatment of addiction.
Los Angeles — Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a 43-year-old physician, pleaded guilty to four counts of the distribution of ketamine related to the death of actor Matthew Perry, who was found dead in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. The plea occurred during a federal court appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday, where Plasencia’s actions came under scrutiny as they were linked to Perry’s fatal overdose. This admission could result in a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for December 3.
Plasencia was arrested in August 2023, along with Jasveen Sangha, who has been dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood. Evidence showed that Plasencia not only sold Perry vials of ketamine for personal use but also personally injected him with the drug multiple times, including in locations such as a parked car outside the Long Beach Aquarium. Prosecutors indicated that the specific batch of ketamine found in Perry at the time of his death was not directly sold by Plasencia, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Investigators revealed that Plasencia’s actions resembled those of a street-level drug dealer, with the physician allegedly aware of Perry’s addiction struggles. Perry’s health reliance on at-home ketamine treatments stemmed from ongoing mental health issues that had troubled him for years. Prosecutors disclosed that between Plasencia and another doctor, Mark Chavez, around 20 vials of ketamine were dispensed to Perry, accumulating to approximately $55,000 in costs.
In court proceedings, Plasencia’s prior plea of not guilty shifted after he agreed to a plea deal that included dropping three additional counts of ketamine distribution and two counts of record falsification. Following his guilty plea, Plasencia’s legal representation conveyed that he felt remorse for his actions, with a plan to voluntarily surrender his medical license. Reports also disclosed a concerning pattern in communications—text messages from Plasencia showed disregard for Perry’s well-being, as he referred to the actor derogatorily and expressed an intent to take advantage of him financially.
Notably, Plasencia acknowledged observing troubling reactions from Perry after administering ketamine but continued to leave additional vials for Perry’s assistant to manage, which raises significant ethical questions about his medical practices. As part of the conditions following his plea, Plasencia was permitted to remain free on bond until sentencing, citing his obligations as the primary caretaker of his two-year-old son.
The case surrounding Plasencia is part of a broader investigation that has already led to other defendants, including Perry’s assistant and another doctor, reaching their plea agreements. Jasveen Sangha, considered the main perpetrator implicated in providing the lethal ketamine dose, is currently awaiting trial. The ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death highlights the serious implications of improper medical practices and the potential for exploitation within the healthcare system.
The tragic demise of Matthew Perry, well-known for his role on the hit television series “Friends,” has cast a spotlight on issues of addiction and the pharmaceutical distribution of controlled substances. As the courtroom proceedings develop, the case will likely continue to prompt discussions regarding the responsibilities of medical professionals and the dangers of substance misuse.
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HERE Resources
Physician Pleads Guilty in Actor’s Overdose Case
Dr. Salvador Plasencia Pleads Guilty in Ketamine Case Linked to Actor’s Death
Doctor Pleads Guilty to Ketamine Distribution in High-Profile Case
Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Ketamine
- ABC News
- Google Search: Matthew Perry ketamine death
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Scholar: Ketamine addiction
- Reuters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Matthew Perry
- CBS News
- Google News: Matthew Perry doctor pleads guilty
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.
