Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the physician accused of illegally supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine before his tragic overdose, is now set to plead guilty.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Plasencia will admit to four counts of ketamine distribution, a move that could land him behind bars for up to 40 years. The Friends star, beloved by millions as Chandler Bing, was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles hot tub on October 28, 2023. The autopsy confirmed that Perry, 54, died from the acute effects of ketamine combined with drowning.
The shocking twist in the investigation arrived nearly a year after Perry’s death, as Plasencia and four others were arrested in August 2024. According to prosecutors, the doctor’s illegal distribution of ketamine intensified Perry’s addiction during his final weeks, causing him to spiral out of control and resort to street deals for faster and cheaper access. Plasencia, who originally pleaded not guilty, has now agreed to cooperate with authorities in exchange for a lighter sentence.
The charges against the defendants include one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of ketamine distribution, and two counts of falsifying federal investigation documents. Prosecutors allege that Plasencia wasn’t just selling to Perry, he was exploiting the actor’s addiction for profit. Along with fellow defendant Mark Chavez and Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Plasencia is accused of distributing 20 vials of ketamine to the actor between September and October 2023.
What’s more disturbing is the behind-the-scenes conversation between Plasencia and Chavez. In a text exchange, the doctor mocked Perry, writing, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Let’s find out.” The pair charged the actor $2,000 per vial for a drug that cost them just $12. Investigators say the duo raked in approximately $55,000 during that short period. Plasencia also allegedly administered ketamine himself, staying to watch as Perry’s body reacted violently, freezing up and experiencing spiking blood pressure.
Plasencia isn’t alone in folding under legal pressure. Three other defendants have also agreed to plead guilty in exchange for cooperation. Only Jasveen Sangha, known among authorities as “The Ketamine Queen of North Hollywood,” has yet to change her not-guilty plea.
The timeline of the Matthew Perry case has unraveled over the last year. After his death in October 2023, Perry was buried in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills on November 3. It wasn’t until December 15 that the official cause of death was ruled accidental, traced to the “acute effects of ketamine.” That same month, the LAPD launched a full criminal probe into how Perry obtained the fatal drugs. Since then, they’ve been working alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Postal Inspection Service to track the illegal distribution trail.
This case has not only stunned fans but also pulled back the curtain on how addiction can be exploited, even by trusted professionals. Perry was open for years about his struggles with substance abuse, especially during and after his time on Friends. But this revelation, that medical professionals were actively fueling that addiction for profit, is gutting for those who admired his recovery journey.
While the plea agreement from Dr. Plasencia may speed up court proceedings, it leaves behind the painful truth that Perry’s death could have been prevented. His story is a grim reminder of the dark underbelly of addiction and the predators who feed on it. Fans, friends, and loved ones continue to mourn, hoping that justice, and awareness, will follow.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
