Medical professional admits guilt for providing ketamine to Matthew Perry and using derogatory term towards him.
News Article: Dr. Salvador Plasencia Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry's Ketamine Case
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California-based physician, pleaded guilty on July 23, 2025, to four federal counts of distributing ketamine illegally in connection with supplying actor Matthew Perry with the drug. The guilty plea took place in a Los Angeles federal court, where Plasencia admitted to distributing ketamine despite Perry showing adverse reactions.
The guilty plea led to the dropping of seven additional counts, and Plasencia agreed to this plea deal last month to avoid going to trial. Sentencing is scheduled for December 3, 2025, and he faces up to 40 years in prison but will remain free on bond until then.
Plasencia's actions resulted in a tragic outcome, as Perry was found dead by his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, on October 28, 2023. The medical examiner determined that ketamine was the primary cause of Perry's death. However, it's important to note that Plasencia did not administer the dose that killed Perry.
Perry was using ketamine in a legal but off-label treatment for depression. In an attempt to continue supplying the drug, Plasencia enlisted another doctor, Mark Chavez, to help him. Chavez, who pleaded guilty last year for his role in the case, confirmed that Plasencia asked him if he could continue supplying the drugs to become Perry's "go-to."
During one instance, Perry froze up and his blood pressure spiked after Plasencia gave him an injection of ketamine. Despite Perry's reaction, Plasencia left more ketamine for Perry's assistant to inject.
Plasencia's co-defendant, Chavez, is not the only one involved in the case. Five people were charged in total; Plasencia is the fourth to plead guilty. Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," is the only defendant who has not reached an agreement and is scheduled for trial next month. She has pleaded not guilty.
Plasencia expressed remorse and plans to voluntarily give up his medical license. The latest developments indicate that the focus is centered on Plasencia’s plea, while details on Sangha’s trial remain unavailable or not publicly reported as of July 2025.
Perry struggled with addiction for years, dating back to his time on "Friends." It's a sad reminder of the ongoing battle against substance abuse in the entertainment industry. Our thoughts are with Perry's family and friends during this difficult time.
[1] "Dr. Salvador Plasencia Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry’s Ketamine Case." Los Angeles Times, July 23, 2025. [2] "Matthew Perry's Personal Assistant Finds Him Dead." People, October 28, 2023. [3] "Ketamine Found to be Primary Cause of Matthew Perry's Death." NBC News, October 29, 2023. [4] "Jasveen Sangha, Known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' to Face Trial." The Hollywood Reporter, August 10, 2025.
[1] The guilty plea of Dr. Salvador Plasencia in Matthew Perry's ketamine case highlights the intersection of health-and-wellness, mental-health, and crime-and-justice.
[2] The ongoing entertainment news about the case also underscores the general-news angle, as the public is intrigued by celebrities' struggles with substance abuse and their battle against addiction.
[3] The tragic outcome of Perry's death further emphasizes the importance of science in understanding the effects of drugs like ketamine on mental health. It serves as a grim reminder that more research is needed in the field of health-and-wellness to ensure the safety of treatments for mental health.
[4] As Jasveen Sangha, also known as the "Ketamine Queen," prepares for her upcoming trial, the case continues to unfold, showcasing the complexity of crime-and-justice and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dokcing illegal activities in the health-and-wellness sector.
