Dr. Salvador Plasencia pleads guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine to Matthew Perry, will surrender his medical license and face sentencing on Dec. 3.
Matthew Perry’s former physician, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, quietly admitted guilt on Wednesday to four federal counts of distributing ketamine without a valid medical purpose.
The 43‑year‑old doctor—as part of a plea agreement reached in June—acknowledged supplying the anesthetic drug to the “Friends” star, who tragically died of an overdose in October 2023. Under the terms of the deal, prosecutors dropped more serious charges, including falsifying medical records and extra distribution counts, in exchange for his guilty plea.
Plasencia must surrender his medical license within the next 30 to 45 days, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He remains free on bond and is slated to be formally sentenced on December 3, 2025. Although federal guidelines could carry a theoretical maximum of 40 years in prison, legal experts anticipate he will receive a significantly shorter term.
During Wednesday’s hearing before Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett, Plasencia responded only to direct questions, offering little in the way of personal remarks or apology.
Prior to the plea, prosecutors painted a picture of how Plasencia allegedly devised a bogus “treatment plan” for Perry after his death, apparently in an effort to cover up illicit drug distribution.
In one text message uncovered by investigators, Plasencia reportedly mocked his high‑profile patient, writing, “I wonder how much this moron will pay… Let’s find out.” However, prosecutors were careful to note that Plasencia did not provide the dose that fatally overdosed Perry.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues against Jasveen Sangha, a 39‑year‑old woman dubbed the “Ketamine Queen.”
Sangha is accused of operating a stash house in North Hollywood, from which she distributed ketamine illegally. She remains the lone defendant awaiting trial, currently scheduled for next month.
Three other alleged co‑conspirators—Erik Fleming, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Mark Chavez—have already entered guilty pleas to a single conspiracy count.
The case has drawn intense scrutiny, not only because of Perry’s celebrity status but also due to growing concerns about off‑label and illicit use of ketamine.
As sentencing approaches, the broader medical community and regulators are watching closely, debating how to strike the right balance between ketamine’s legitimate therapeutic roles and its potential for abuse.
Source: Variety
