Physician Pleads Guilty in Ketamine Case Linked to Actor’s Death

The dangers of ketamine misuse are a growing concern in addiction recovery.

News Summary

Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to charges of distributing ketamine linked to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. The plea came during a federal court session and could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. Plasencia confessed to administering ketamine to Perry and supplying the actor with vials intended for home use. His actions have raised serious concerns about the dangers of unregulated drug distribution, particularly in the realm of mental health treatment.

Los Angeles – Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a 43-year-old physician, pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution of ketamine linked to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry in October 2023. The plea occurred during a federal court appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday, and it could result in up to 40 years in federal prison when sentencing takes place on December 3.

Plasencia was arrested in August 2023 alongside an accomplice, known locally as the “Ketamine Queen,” Jasveen Sangha. In a shocking admission, he confessed to personally injecting Perry with liquid ketamine in several locations, including a parked car outside the Long Beach Aquarium. Furthermore, he disclosed that he had sold the actor multiple vials of ketamine intended for home use without any legitimate medical authorization.

While prosecutors confirmed that the batch of ketamine found in Perry’s system at the time of his death was not sold by Plasencia, they described his actions as reflective of a street-level drug dealer who was well aware of Perry’s dependency on the substance. Perry was discovered dead in his hot tub on October 28, 2023, with an autopsy confirming ketamine as the cause of death.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Initially, Plasencia pleaded not guilty; however, he later agreed to a plea deal that resulted in the dismissal of three additional counts of ketamine distribution and two counts related to falsifying records. His attorney indicated that Plasencia expressed regret for his conduct and intends to surrender his medical license voluntarily.

Prosecutors detailed that both Plasencia and another doctor, Mark Chavez, were involved in supplying approximately 20 vials of ketamine to Perry, which cost the actor around $55,000. Text messages reviewed by authorities revealed Plasencia’s callous attitude toward Perry, as he referred to the actor in derogatory terms and sought to exploit him financially.

Background on Matthew Perry and Ketamine Use

Matthew Perry’s dependency on ketamine treatments was reportedly exacerbated by his struggles with mental health. It was noted that, despite witnessing concerning physical reactions from Perry after administering the drug, Plasencia continued to leave vials for Perry’s assistant.

After the plea, Plasencia was permitted to remain free on bond as he is the primary caretaker of his two-year-old son. Other individuals connected to this case, including Perry’s assistant and another doctor, have already reached plea agreements as well. The main suspect in the case, Jasveen Sangha, who is accused of supplying the lethal dose of ketamine, continues to await trial.

The Impact of the Case

The tragic circumstances surrounding Matthew Perry’s death have drawn significant attention to the potential dangers of unregulated ketamine use, particularly among individuals struggling with substance dependence. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health treatment and the risks involved when medical practices are compromised by exploitation.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on the accountability of those involved in Perry’s treatment and the broader implications for the medical community regarding ethical practices and patient care.