The dangers of ketamine misuse are a growing concern in addiction recovery.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of ketamine linked to the recent fatal overdose of actor Matthew Perry. The court revealed that Plasencia injected Perry with the drug shortly before his death and sold him vials with no legitimate medical purpose. His actions raised significant concerns about illegal drug distribution and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, as he faces a potential 40-year prison sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for December, and the case highlights ongoing issues surrounding prescription drug misuse.
In Los Angeles, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 43, appeared in federal court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. The court proceedings revealed that Plasencia, a medical professional, was involved in distributing ketamine—a drug linked to Perry’s fatal overdose—without medical authorization.
Plasencia admitted to distributing ketamine on four counts, which could result in a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The plea comes after his arrest in August 2023, when authorities also detained Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood. His sentencing is scheduled for December 3.
The defendant previously maintained his innocence but agreed to a plea deal last month. This agreement involved dropping three additional counts of ketamine distribution and two counts of falsifying medical records. The plea reflects a significant development in a case highlighting concerns about illegal drug supply and the misuse of prescription medicines.
During the court proceedings, Plasencia acknowledged personally injecting Matthew Perry with liquid ketamine shortly before the actor’s death. The injection occurred at various locations, including a parked car outside the Long Beach Aquarium. Prosecutors detailed that Plasencia sold Perry vials of ketamine intended for home use, with no legitimate medical purpose, contributing to Perry’s rising dependence on the drug.
It was confirmed that the specific batch of ketamine found in Perry’s system at the time of death was not sold by Plasencia. Nonetheless, prosecutors described his actions as akin to those of street-level drug dealers who take advantage of addicts, noting Perry’s known struggles with mental health and substance dependence.
Perry’s autopsy indicated that ketamine was the cause of his death, which occurred in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. Investigators noted that Plasencia supplied Perry with approximately 20 vials of ketamine, totaling about $55,000. Text messages revealed an exploitative attitude by Plasencia, who referred to Perry derogatorily and appeared intent on benefiting financially from the actor’s addiction.
Prosecutors also disclosed that despite observing Perry’s concerning physical reactions following ketamine administration, Plasencia left additional vials for his assistant to give the actor, raising questions about the intent and oversight involved.
Following his guilty plea, Plasencia was permitted to remain free on bond as he is the primary caretaker of his two-year-old son. His legal team, including attorney Karen L. Goldstein, stated that Plasencia is remorseful and intends to voluntarily surrender his medical license as part of his acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Other individuals connected to the case have already reached plea agreements, including Perry’s assistant and another doctor involved in the distribution network. Meanwhile, Jasveen Sangha, identified as the primary source of the lethal dose of ketamine supplied to Perry, remains scheduled for trial.
Matthew Perry, best known for his role on the television sitcom “Friends,” increasingly relied on at-home ketamine treatments amid ongoing mental health challenges. His death highlighted concerns about the illegal distribution of prescription drugs and the dangers of unregulated drug use, especially among vulnerable individuals. The case underscores the complex issues surrounding the legal and illegal sale of controlled substances and their impact on public health and safety.
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection to Actor’s Overdose Death
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection to Actor’s Death
Dr. Salvador Plasencia Guilty of Illegal Ketamine Distribution
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