Matthew Perry's Doctor Pleads Guilty to Ketamine Distribution Charges

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the physician implicated in the distribution of ketamine to late actor Matthew Perry, has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of drug distribution, as outlined in a plea agreement filed on June 16, 2025. The plea follows an extensive investigation into Perry's tragic death on October 28, 2023, when he was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades residence. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office attributed his death to the 'acute effects of ketamine.'

Plasencia, often referred to as Dr. P, faces a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison. He was among five individuals charged in connection with the investigation surrounding Perry's death, which raised significant concerns regarding the ethics of medical professionals in the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders.

Previously, Plasencia faced multiple charges, including allegations of altering medical records related to the federal investigation. Three other defendants, including Dr. Mark Chavez, Perry's live-in personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and alleged drug dealer Erik Fleming, have all pleaded guilty in connection with the case. In stark contrast, the fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' has maintained her not guilty plea.

In late September 2023, as reported by Anne Milgram, Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Perry had sought treatment for depression and anxiety, ultimately becoming addicted to intravenous ketamine. When clinic physicians declined to increase his dosage, he turned to illicit channels to acquire the drug. Court documents reveal that Plasencia and Chavez conspired to provide Perry with ketamine after learning of his interest in the substance, known for its dissociative effects and potential for abuse.

Text messages between Plasencia and Chavez indicate a troubling willingness to exploit Perry’s vulnerabilities, with Plasencia expressing a desire to be Perry’s primary source for ketamine. They distributed 20 vials of the drug to Perry at a staggering cost of $55,000, significantly inflating the price compared to its market value.

Prosecutors allege that Plasencia not only distributed the drug but also instructed Iwamasa on how to administer it to Perry, a practice that raised ethical concerns given the actor's known history of substance abuse. In a particularly alarming incident, Plasencia is accused of injecting Perry with ketamine in a vehicle in Long Beach, California.

Perry’s struggles with addiction were well-documented. Prior to his passing, he had been candid about his battles with substance abuse, making the revelations surrounding his death even more poignant. The allegations against Plasencia paint a picture of exploitation rather than care, highlighting systemic failures within the medical community that have failed to protect vulnerable patients.

In the aftermath of Perry's death, the DEA emphasized the need for greater accountability and ethical standards among medical professionals. Milgram remarked, 'Matthew Perry’s journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust because they saw him as a payday.' The implications of this case extend beyond Perry himself, raising critical questions about the role of healthcare providers in managing addiction and the responsibilities they bear in ensuring patient safety.

Plasencia's plea is a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention, reflecting broader societal issues surrounding drug addiction, mental health treatment, and the ethical obligations of healthcare providers. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will remain on the accountability of those involved and the systemic changes required to prevent similar tragedies in the future.