Doctor admits to selling ketamine to Matthew Perry shortly before the actor’s death.

LOS ANGELES — Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician implicated in a federal investigation surrounding the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges related to the distribution of ketamine. Perry, widely known for his role in the television series “Friends,” was found deceased in the hot tub of his Los Angeles residence on October 28, 2023. The case has drawn significant attention due to the actor’s struggles with addiction.

Dr. Plasencia is the fourth individual to plead guilty as part of the extensive inquiry into Perry’s tragic death. He and a co-defendant, identified by prosecutors as a prominent ketamine dealer, faced severe charges following the actor’s death. During the hearing, held in federal court in Los Angeles, Plasencia affirmed his guilt on four counts pertaining to the distribution of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic often misused.

The charges against Plasencia, who is 43 years old, carry potential sentences of up to 40 years. However, experts signal that he is likely to receive a lesser sentence, contingent upon his cooperation and the details outlined in his plea agreement. His trial was initially scheduled for August but shifted toward a plea deal last month.

During the court proceedings, Plasencia expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging the vulnerability of Perry, who had long grappled with addiction issues. Following the hearing, his attorney indicated that Dr. Plasencia intends to voluntarily surrender his medical license, accepting responsibility for his actions that contributed to Perry’s decline. The plea arrangement entails the dismissal of three additional counts of ketamine distribution and two counts related to falsifying medical records.

Prosecution accounted that although Plasencia did not directly administer the dose that resulted in Perry’s death, he acknowledged providing the actor with an injection of ketamine, and subsequently left additional quantities for Perry’s assistant to administer. Throughout the proceedings, Perry was referred to in legal terms as “victim MP,” underscoring the grave implications of the case.

The legal ramifications of this incident extend beyond Plasencia, as the only co-defendant yet to reach a resolution is Jasveen Sangha, identified by prosecutors as a significant dealer in the ketamine supply chain. Her trial is anticipated to commence next month.

The circumstances surrounding Perry’s death have sparked discussions regarding at-home ketamine usage and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals in such contexts. Dr. Plasencia’s case serves as a cautionary tale for the medical community, highlighting the urgent need for stringent oversight and clear protocols in light of the growing trend of at-home ketamine treatments.

Perry had long struggled with addiction, an ordeal that began during his rise to fame on “Friends” from 1994 to 2004. His battle with substance abuse continued for years, culminating in his search for ketamine beyond the confines of his prescribed treatment. Prosecutors revealed that Plasencia illicitly provided Perry with substantial quantities of ketamine, totaling around 100 milligrams, amidst a broader scheme to profit from the actor’s dependency.

As the legal process continues, the attention focused on the responsibilities of medical providers and the need for accountability within the burgeoning landscape of at-home treatments is likely to remain a focal point of public discourse. The case raises essential questions about the intersection of healthcare, ethics, and celebrity culture in today’s society.

Dr. Plasencia, now free on bond, is scheduled for sentencing on December 3, where the implications of his misconduct will be further deliberated.