Dr. Salvador Plasencia faces four counts of ketamine distribution linked to Perry’s death in October 2023.
California Physician to Admit Guilt in Matthew Perry Drug Case
California Physician to Admit Guilt in Matthew Perry Drug Case
California doctor agrees to plead guilty in relation to supplying ketamine to late actor Matthew Perry before his tragic overdose.
In a significant development in the case concerning the late actor Matthew Perry, a California physician, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, is poised to plead guilty to four counts pertaining to the distribution of ketamine. This charge comes from federal prosecutors who have outlined a troubling narrative leading up to Perry's catastrophic overdose death.
Perry, famously known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic television series "Friends," was found deceased in his hot tub at the age of 54 in October 2023—an incident that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and his legions of fans worldwide. Despite Perry’s candid discussions about his battles with addiction and mental health, the circumstances surrounding his demise have raised extensive questions about the medical practices and individuals involved in his treatment.
Dr. Plasencia's forthcoming guilty plea, expected in the coming weeks, carries the potential for a severe sentence of up to 40 years in federal prison. This plea is part of a broader investigation encompassing five individuals, accused of operating an underground distribution network that supplied Perry with ketamine—a substance he was legally prescribed to manage his depression, but sought additional quantities beyond what was authorized.
Court documents reveal alarming insights, including interactions between Dr. Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez, another medical professional who has already confessed in the same investigation. Notably, Dr. Plasencia labeled Perry a "moron" in texts and expressed curiosity about the financial considerations involved in supplying him with drugs.
Moreover, the plea agreement outlines instances where Dr. Plasencia personally injected Perry with ketamine, both at his residence and in public spaces such as the parking lot of the Long Beach Aquarium. Allegations extend to Dr. Plasencia instructing Perry's assistant—who is also entangled in the legal proceedings—on the drug's administration methods and supplying them with additional vials for personal use.
The tragic death of Matthew Perry underscores the broader issues regarding prescription practices, mental health treatment, and the social perception of addiction. As the case unfolds, its implications may resonate throughout the medical profession and entertainment community, prompting discussions on ethical practices and the responsibility of health care providers to their patients. As of now, Dr. Plasencia’s legal team has not commented on the case.
