Doctor Pleads Guilty to Ketamine Distribution Linked to Actor’s Death

A courtroom scene where significant legal proceedings regarding ketamine distribution are taking place.

News Summary

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California doctor, has pleaded guilty to charges of illegal ketamine distribution tied to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. The plea was made in a Los Angeles court, where the doctor faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Evidence showed that Plasencia administered ketamine to Perry without legitimate medical reasons. As the case unfolds, it highlights concerns over ketamine distribution in addiction treatment, and the ethical dilemmas in the medical community.

Los Angeles, California – Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a 43-year-old doctor from California, pleaded guilty on July 23, 2025, to four counts of illegal distribution of ketamine. The plea was made during a court hearing at the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles and is a part of an ongoing investigation related to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry.

Perry, best known for his role on the television show Friends, was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. The official cause of death was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, along with drowning and pre-existing heart disease. Dr. Plasencia’s actions have resulted in him facing a possible maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

As part of the plea arrangement, Plasencia will remain free on bond until his sentencing, which is scheduled for December 3, 2025. Following his guilty plea, he intends to surrender his medical license within 30 to 45 days. During the court proceedings, he displayed visible emotion, utilized tissues, and confirmed to the judge his acknowledgment of the unlawful distribution of ketamine.

Evidence presented in court indicated that Plasencia personally administered ketamine to Perry both at the actor’s home and in a parked car, acknowledging that these injections were not for legitimate medical reasons. Plasencia operated an urgent care clinic and procured ketamine from another physician, Mark Chavez, based in San Diego.

Communications uncovered during the investigation showed that Plasencia texted Chavez about Perry, revealing an intent to profit from the actor’s struggle with drug dependency. Reports suggest that Plasencia charged Perry around $4,500 for the ketamine treatments, which raises questions about the ethics of his practice, as patients at his clinic were required to sign waivers addressing potential allegations against him.

Plasencia is not the only individual implicated in this case. Three co-defendants have previously pleaded guilty in connection with Perry’s death, including another doctor. A fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, who has been referred to as the “ketamine queen,” pleaded not guilty to charges related to providing the dose that contributed to Perry’s fatal overdose. Sangha’s trial is set to begin in August 2025.

Matthew Perry had a well-documented history of substance abuse and often spoke openly about his struggles with addiction, particularly during and after his time on Friends. His untimely death cast a spotlight on the dangers of substance misuse and the potentially reckless distribution practices in the treatment of addiction.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case emphasizes the necessity for stricter regulations around the growing use of ketamine for at-home therapies, which have been frequently cited as problematic within the medical community. Plasencia’s attorney has expressed that his client feels “profoundly remorseful” for his involvement and that this case sheds light on a critical area of concern within the healthcare system.