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

News Summary

Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to charges of illegally distributing ketamine, tied to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. His actions have raised serious ethical concerns in the medical community. The case is part of a broader investigation involving other defendants, prompting discussions on drug policy and medical ethics. Plasencia acknowledges his remorse and plans to surrender his medical license, while facing substantial prison time. As the investigation continues, the situation underscores the dangers surrounding recreational drug misuse, particularly ketamine.

Los Angeles – Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a 43-year-old doctor from California, has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegally distributing ketamine, a powerful anesthetic often misused as a recreational drug. The plea occurred on July 23, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, and is part of a broader investigation related to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, well-known for his role on the hit sitcom “Friends.”

Perry, who was 54 years old, was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled that he died from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning and coronary artery disease as contributing factors. Plasencia’s involvement in Perry’s death carries serious consequences as he faces up to 40 years in prison. Despite his guilty plea, he will remain free on bond until his sentencing, which is set for December 3, 2025.

As part of the plea deal, Dr. Plasencia expressed his intention to surrender his medical license within 30 to 45 days following the hearing. During the court proceedings, he appeared emotional and acknowledged injecting Perry with ketamine both at his home and in the back of a parked car, admitting these actions were not for legitimate medical purposes.

Preceding his legal troubles, Plasencia operated an urgent care clinic where he obtained ketamine from another doctor, Mark Chavez of San Diego. Investigators uncovered evidence that Plasencia had been in communication with Chavez regarding Perry, suggesting he sought to profit from the actor’s known struggles with substance abuse. Reports indicate that Perry was charged around $4,500 for ketamine injections he received from Plasencia, raising significant ethical concerns in the medical community.

This case is part of a larger investigation encompassing five individuals, three of whom, including another doctor, have already pleaded guilty in connection with Perry’s death. A fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, who has earned the nickname “ketamine queen,” has been charged with supplying the dose believed to have led to Perry’s fatal overdose, although she has pleaded not guilty. Sangha’s trial is slated for August 2025.

Matthew Perry had a long-documented history of substance abuse, openly sharing his struggles both during and after his time on “Friends.” His premature death has sparked renewed discussions about the dangers of recreational drug use, particularly the misuse of substances like ketamine that are typically used in medical settings.

The case involving Plasencia has garnered significant media attention, prompting calls for stricter regulations surrounding at-home ketamine treatment practices. Plasencia’s attorney indicated that the doctor is “profoundly remorseful” for his actions, which have contributed to a tragic outcome. Furthermore, due to the allegations made against him, Plasencia’s clinic required patients to sign waivers that addressed various legal and medical liabilities associated with ketamine treatment.

As the case unfolds, it is expected to bring to light further issues related to the management of drug prescriptions and the responsibilities of medical professionals in safeguarding against misuse. The sentencing of Dr. Plasencia and the pending trial for Sangha will likely serve as pivotal moments in ongoing discussions about drug policy and medical ethics in the United States.

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Additional Resources

• ABC7 News
• ABC News
• Los Angeles Times
• Reuters
• Google Search: Matthew Perry ketamine case
• Encyclopedia Britannica: ketamine