Doctor Accused of Supplying Ketamine to Matthew Perry Agrees to Plead Guilty
A physician implicated in providing the late actor Matthew Perry with ketamine in the weeks preceding his fatal overdose has agreed to plead guilty, according to U.S. prosecutors. Dr. Salvador Plasencia faces four counts related to the distribution of ketamine, carrying a potential maximum prison sentence of 40 years.
Details Surrounding Perry's Treatment and Death
Matthew Perry, 54, was discovered lifeless in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. The official cause of death was ruled as the acute effects of ketamine. Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression on a regular schedule but had reportedly decreased his dosage in the days leading up to his death, with his last documented treatment approximately a week and a half prior.
How Ketamine Entered the Picture
Though Perry was receiving ketamine legally under medical supervision, he sought quantities beyond what his prescribing doctor was willing to provide. Court documents reveal that Dr. Plasencia intervened by coordinating with another physician, Dr. Mark Chavez, to obtain additional ketamine.
Prosecutors highlighted a text message from Plasencia to Chavez reading, "I wonder how much this moron will pay," demonstrating a transactional approach to the drug acquisition. The two met in Costa Mesa, California, where Chavez supplied Plasencia with four vials of ketamine.
Supplying Perry and Legal Consequences
Following the acquisition, Plasencia sold this ketamine to Perry for $4,500 and proposed becoming Perry’s continuous supplier, asking if he could "keep supplying" ketamine to become the actor’s main source.
Alongside Plasencia, a woman named Jasmine Sangha—described by prosecutors as a significant ketamine dealer—also figures prominently in the investigation. While Plasencia is believed to have provided most of the ketamine Perry consumed during his final weeks, Sangha is alleged to have supplied the lethal dose.
Sangha has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in August, representing the only defendant among five charged who has not reached a plea deal. Three other defendants, including Dr. Chavez, have already entered plea agreements and are cooperating with authorities.
Background: Perry’s Struggle with Addiction
Perry’s battle with substance addiction dates back many years, coinciding with his time starring as Chandler Bing on the iconic television series. His ongoing challenges with addiction and mental health positioned ketamine therapy as a treatment option, though the circumstances ultimately culminated in tragedy.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Plasencia’s formal plea is expected in the coming weeks, marking a significant development in the investigation surrounding the actor’s untimely passing. The case continues to unfold, shedding light on the complexities of ketamine distribution and its risks, particularly when diverted outside proper medical channels.
