California Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection to Matthew Perry’s Death

Courtroom scene highlighting the gravity of medical malpractice cases.

News Summary

Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal ketamine distribution, significantly contributing to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. In a federal court appearance, he acknowledged injecting ketamine into Perry without legitimate medical purpose. Plasencia could face a maximum sentence of 40 years, with his sentencing scheduled for December. His actions have spotlighted the lapses in the oversight of ketamine distribution, particularly in celebrity culture and its impact on mental health treatment.

Los Angeles — Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California doctor, has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal distribution of ketamine, a key factor in the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. This plea was entered in U.S. District Court on July 23, 2025. Perry, best known for his role in the hit television series “Friends,” died at the age of 54 due to an overdose in October 2023. Plasencia now faces a maximum prison sentence of 40 years, although he will remain free on bond until his sentencing date, scheduled for December 3, 2025.

In a courtroom appearance, Plasencia exhibited signs of distress, requiring tissues to pat his face as he addressed the charges against him. He admitted to injecting ketamine into Perry at the actor’s residence and in the back seat of a parked car, actions he acknowledged were not conducted for legitimate medical purposes.

Plasencia previously operated an urgent care clinic and obtained ketamine from another physician, Mark Chavez, based in San Diego. Evidence presented in court revealed that Plasencia had communicated with Chavez regarding Perry, referring to him disparagingly and indicating a willingness to exploit the actor financially for the drug. Plasencia’s attorneys emphasized that he is “profoundly remorseful” and accepts full responsibility for his role in Perry’s death.

The distribution of ketamine to Perry was extensive. Plasencia illegally provided the actor with up to 20 vials of ketamine, as well as lozenges and syringes. The medical examiner confirmed that ketamine was the primary cause of Perry’s death. Despite having previously received ketamine through a legal, off-label prescription to treat his depression, the manner in which Plasencia administered the drug was illegal and harmful.

Other individuals involved in the case have already entered guilty pleas. However, one remaining co-defendant, Jasveen Sangha, known in some circles as the “ketamine queen,” has pleaded not guilty and is set for trial in August.

The case brings attention to the growing concerns about the oversight of the at-home ketamine industry, particularly as its use for various mental health treatments expands. The rise in off-label use, though sometimes legally prescribed, has raised red flags about how easily drugs can be obtained outside of traditional medical settings.

Perry was discovered deceased in his hot tub by his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who was also intertwined in the supply chain of the drugs. The case reveals a troubling intersection of celebrity culture and the accessibility of potent drugs, emphasizing the need for heightened regulations within the industry.

Dr. Plasencia’s actions represent a grave misuse of medical authority, and his upcoming sentencing will likely draw significant media attention as the public grapples with the ongoing issues surrounding drug distribution and celebrity culture. His decision to surrender his medical license within 45 days of entering his guilty plea further underscores a profession grappling with ethics and legality in the field of mental health treatment.