A courtroom scene where significant legal proceedings regarding ketamine distribution are taking place.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician from California, admitted guilt to distributing ketamine illegally, highlighting connections to Matthew Perry’s death. The court proceedings revealed Plasencia admits to injecting Perry without legitimate medical purpose. Facing up to 40 years in prison, he plans to surrender his medical license. Multiple co-defendants are also involved, including a woman accused of supplying the ketamine leading to Perry’s overdose. This case emphasizes the critical issues surrounding illegal drug distribution and its severe consequences.
On July 23, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California-based physician, pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal distribution of ketamine. This development is part of a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of actor Matthew Perry in October 2023.
During the hearing, Plasencia appeared emotional, responding affirmatively to the judge’s questions regarding his involvement in providing ketamine. He admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine at multiple locations, including his private residence and a parked vehicle, acknowledging that his actions were not for legitimate medical purposes. Plasencia faces a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison but will remain free on bond until his sentencing, scheduled for December 3, 2025.
The defendant also plans to surrender his medical license within 30 to 45 days following his plea, signaling a possible end to his medical career amid ongoing legal proceedings. Court records reveal that Plasencia had operated an urgent care clinic and obtained ketamine from another doctor, Mark Chavez, based in San Diego.
Matthew Perry, known for his role on the hit sitcom “Friends,” was 54 years old when he was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023. His death was attributed primarily to the acute effects of ketamine, with contributing factors including drowning and underlying coronary artery disease.
Investigations established that Perry’s substance use history was extensive, publicly acknowledging struggles with addiction over the years. The death was ruled an overdose, with evidence indicating Perry had acquired a substantial amount of ketamine, costing approximately $4,500, from individuals connected to the case.
Beyond Plasencia, four other individuals have been charged or have entered guilty pleas related to the incident. Among them, three have already pleaded guilty, including another medical professional associated with the case.
The fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, commonly referred to as the “ketamine queen,” is accused of supplying the specific dose that contributed to Perry’s death. Sangha has pleaded not guilty; her trial is scheduled for August 2025.
Evidence collected during the investigation suggests that Plasencia texted Chavez about Perry, expressing a desire to profit from the actor’s drug dependency. The case highlights concerns about the illegal sale and distribution of ketamine outside regulated medical environments.
Plasencia’s clinic reportedly required patients to sign waivers that addressed legal allegations against him, although these measures did not prevent the illegal distribution of the drug. Prosecutors emphasize that Plasencia’s actions went beyond legitimate medical practices, involving substantial charges and financial transactions.
During court proceedings, Plasencia’s attorney described his client as “profoundly remorseful” for his role in the incident, underscoring the broader issues surrounding the unregulated at-home ketamine industry. The case raises ongoing questions about oversight and safety protocols in the distribution of controlled substances intended for medical use.
This case marks a significant step in the legal response to the circumstances surrounding Matthew Perry’s overdose, illustrating the serious consequences of illegal drug distribution. As Plasencia awaits sentencing in December, the broader investigation continues to unfold, with additional charges and potential revelations anticipated in the coming months.
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