Doctor admits guilt for providing ketamine to Matthew Perry.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician implicated in the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, has entered a guilty plea to four counts of distributing ketamine, a powerful anesthetic that contributed to the actor’s demise. Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic television series “Friends,” was discovered unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence on October 28, 2023. He was 54 years old.

An autopsy subsequently determined that Perry’s death was primarily due to the acute effects of ketamine, with contributing factors that included drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine, a medication prescribed for opioid dependence. The investigation into Perry’s death highlighted Plasencia as a key figure, leading to his arrest and subsequent guilty plea, marking a significant development in the series of legal proceedings that followed the actor’s passing.

Plasencia, 43, was the second of two physicians arrested in connection with the case and the fourth of five defendants to strike a plea agreement. Last October, Dr. Mark Chavez, another doctor involved in the distribution of ketamine to Perry, admitted to conspiracy charges related to the case. Two additional individuals, Perry’s live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa and his acquaintance Erik Fleming, also accepted plea deals. In contrast, the fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles,” has pleaded not guilty and is set to face trial in August. Prosecutors assert that Sangha sold Perry the lethal dose of ketamine and continued to operate a drug hub even after his death.

Plasencia reportedly sold Perry vials of ketamine for ,000 each in September and October 2023, having procured the substance from Chavez for approximately per vial. In a series of text messages, he expressed a lack of regard for his patient’s well-being, illustrating a troubling dynamic between the doctor and Perry.

By pleading guilty, Plasencia avoided a trial that was scheduled for August. The terms of his plea deal resulted in the dismissal of additional charges, including three counts of ketamine distribution and two counts of falsifying medical records. Despite these concessions, the physician faces the possibility of a substantial prison term, with a potential sentence of up to 40 years, as sentencing guidelines remain unspecified.

In a statement following his guilty plea, Plasencia’s attorney expressed that he is deeply remorseful for his actions and intends to relinquish his medical license, acknowledging his failure to safeguard Perry, who was particularly vulnerable due to his history of addiction.

This case represents a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with substance misuse and the responsibilities of medical professionals in treating vulnerable patients. The ongoing legal proceedings continue to draw attention to the complex issues surrounding addiction and the ethics of prescribing controlled substances.