News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to illegal distribution of ketamine, connected to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. Plasencia admits to injecting Perry with the drug for non-medical purposes and faces up to 40 years in prison. The case highlights concerns about unregulated practices surrounding ketamine treatments, particularly as they grow in popularity for off-label use. Legal experts are advocating for stricter regulations to ensure patient safety in light of the investigation into Perry’s fatal overdose.
Los Angeles, California – Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California physician, has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal distribution of ketamine in connection with the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. Perry, best known for his role in the popular television series “Friends,” passed away at the age of 54 in October 2023. The plea was made in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on July 23, 2025, and Plasencia could face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
As part of his plea agreement, Plasencia will remain free on bond until his sentencing, which is scheduled for December 3, 2025. He has indicated his intention to surrender his medical license within 45 days of his guilty plea.
During the court proceedings, Plasencia appeared visibly distressed, reportedly patting his face with tissues as he acknowledged his guilt. He admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine on two occasions: once at the actor’s home and another time in the back seat of a parked vehicle. He conceded that these actions were not carried out for legitimate medical purposes.
Plasencia operated an urgent care clinic and received ketamine from another doctor, Mark Chavez, who is based in San Diego. Prior to Perry’s death, Plasencia exchanged text messages with Chavez about Perry, referring to him disparagingly and expressing an interest in financially benefiting from his treatment. It was revealed that he sold drugs to Perry for approximately $4,500 and aimed to become Perry’s primary ketamine provider.
Perry’s death was determined to be primarily caused by ketamine, which he had been using through a legal but off-label prescription for depression treatment. Plasencia is reported to have illegally provided Perry with up to 20 vials of ketamine, as well as lozenges and syringes, in the weeks leading up to the actor’s fatal overdose.
On the day of Perry’s death, his personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa found him unresponsive in his hot tub. Iwamasa was also linked to the supply chain of the drugs involved in Perry’s treatment. This case has drawn significant attention to the unregulated practices involving at-home ketamine treatment, raising concerns over the oversight of the burgeoning industry.
Plasencia is not the only individual entangled in this case; other co-defendants have already pleaded guilty to related charges. However, a fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, who has been dubbed the “ketamine queen,” has entered a plea of not guilty and is set for trial in August.
Legal and medical experts have expressed worry about the lack of stringent regulations surrounding the distribution and administration of ketamine, particularly as it gains popularity for off-label uses. This case underscores the potential dangers involved when patients are treated outside of traditional medical settings.
The investigation into Matthew Perry’s death and the individuals involved continues as authorities seek to promote greater accountability within the medical community and ensure safer practices for patients utilizing medication like ketamine.
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Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection with Actor’s Death
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Actor’s Fatal Overdose Case
Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Matthew Perry
- ABC News
- Google Search: Matthew Perry ketamine
- LA Times
- Google Scholar: Matthew Perry ketamine
- Reuters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Matthew Perry
- CBS News
- Google News: Matthew Perry death
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, 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 state 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
