News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to multiple charges linked to the illegal distribution of ketamine, implicated in the death of actor Matthew Perry. This plea signals increased accountability and oversight in treatment practices, as Plasencia admitted to making treatment decisions that contributed to Perry’s passing. His agreement to surrender his medical license and the potential for a lengthy prison sentence highlight the serious implications of the case on medical ethics and drug regulation.
Los Angeles, CA – Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection to Matthew Perry’s Ketamine-Related Death
In a significant development in the case surrounding the death of actor Matthew Perry, Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the illegal distribution of ketamine, the drug implicated in Perry’s accidental overdose. The plea was entered during a court hearing held on July 23, 2025, and marks a crucial step towards accountability in the case.
Details of the Guilty Plea and Charges
Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of the distribution of ketamine. As part of his plea agreement, he admitted to making treatment decisions that contributed to Perry’s death, acknowledging his role in the illegal drug distribution network that supplied Perry with large quantities of ketamine. His attorney described him as “profoundly remorseful” and indicated that he is accepting responsibility for his actions.
In line with his guilty plea, Plasencia has agreed to voluntarily surrender his medical license, recognizing his failure to adequately safeguard Perry’s health. He is currently out on bond and will remain so until his sentencing hearing scheduled for December 3, 2025. At sentencing, he faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison—with 10 years possible for each count—as well as a fine of up to $2 million.
Context and Investigation Timeline
Matthew Perry was found dead on October 28, 2023, from the “acute effects of ketamine” and subsequent drowning, with authorities ruling his death as accidental. The investigation began months after Perry’s passing, with law enforcement agencies opening a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his overdose.
In August 2024, approximately ten months prior to Plasencia’s guilty plea, charges were filed against him and four others, including Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and other key figures connected to the drug distribution network. The authorities allege that Perry sought ketamine illegally, despite ongoing therapy for depression and anxiety, highlighting the complex interplay between prescription drug use, mental health, and illicit drug procurement.
Key Figures and Alleged Roles in the Case
Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Evidence indicates that Iwamasa was part of the distribution chain responsible for supplying Perry with the drug. Another accused, Erik Fleming, admitted to providing the ketamine that resulted in Perry’s death and pleaded guilty to multiple charges.
Dr. Mark Chavez, another defendant involved in the case, also pleaded guilty to drug distribution charges. Conversely, Jasveen Sangha, commonly called the “Ketamine Queen,” has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial in August. Evidence suggests that Sangha managed an underground network responsible for ketamine sales in the Los Angeles area.
Evidence and Findings
Investigators found that Plasencia had obtained ketamine through a clandestine network, with evidence indicating contact with multiple drug suppliers. It was revealed that Perry paid up to $55,000 in the month prior to his death for ketamine, often through encrypted messages that included mockery about Perry’s willingness to pay high prices for the drug.
Further, there are records showing that Plasencia instructed Iwamasa on how to administer the drug to Perry, despite Iwamasa lacking any formal medical training. This oversight raised serious ethical concerns and prompted investigations into medical malpractice and illegal drug distribution involving healthcare professionals.
Legal and Broader Implications
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the actions of Plasencia and others involved represent serious violations of medical ethics and public safety. The case is viewed as a pivotal example of how illegal drug networks exploit individuals seeking mental health treatment and highlights the challenges of regulating at-home ketamine therapy.
The authorities anticipate that the case will lead to more stringent oversight of the at-home ketamine industry and stricter regulations on medical professionals providing treatment outside traditional clinical settings. Prosecutors also see the case as a warning to both drug dealers and medical practitioners about the severe consequences of participating in illegal activities related to controlled substances.
Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia’s guilty plea signifies a major development in the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death, exposing the network of illegal drug distribution that contributed to his overdose. The case underscores ongoing concerns regarding unregulated at-home ketamine use and highlights the importance of strict enforcement of drug laws and medical ethics to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dr. Salvador Plasencia Guilty of Illegal Ketamine Distribution
Additional Resources
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia: Ketamine
- CNN
- Google Search: Matthew Perry death ketamine
- ABC News
- Google Scholar: Ketamine Ethics
- Al Jazeera
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medicine
- Boston.com
- Google News: Matthew Perry ketamine

Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.