California Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection to Matthew Perry's Overdose

Dr. Salvador Plasencia faces significant prison time as federal prosecutors detail the involvement of multiple parties in supplying the actor with the drug.

A California doctor, previously implicated in the tragic overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, has reached a plea agreement and will plead guilty to charges of supplying the actor with ketamine, according to announcements made by federal prosecutors. Dr. Salvador Plasencia is set to plead guilty to four counts of distributing the drug, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with the official plea expected in the upcoming weeks.

Matthew Perry, who gained international fame for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular television show "Friends," was discovered deceased in his hot tub in Los Angeles in October 2023 at the age of 54. The untimely death sent shockwaves through his fan base, especially given Perry's openness about his battles with mental health and addiction.

Text message exchanges shared with prosecutors reveal that Dr. Plasencia referred to Perry derogatorily and discussed the financial aspects of the drug transactions. In documents associated with the plea deal, it is detailed that Dr. Plasencia provided Perry with ketamine injections both at the actor's residence and in a parking lot near the Long Beach Aquarium. Furthermore, the doctor allegedly instructed Perry's assistant, who also faces charges, on how to use the drug safely while selling additional vials for at-home use.

Dr. Plasencia is among five individuals accused of operating an illicit network comprising medical professionals and dealers that enabled Perry to access more ketamine than his prescribed treatment for depression. The plea agreement states that, over a two-week period from September 30 to October 12, 2023, Dr. Plasencia sold Perry and his assistant a total of twenty 5ml vials of ketamine, which is noted to be less than a complete allotment of ketamine lozenges accompanied by syringes. At this time, the doctor's legal representation has not provided a comment on the development.