Doctor Charged in Matthew Perry Case Agrees to Plead Guilty

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, one of the five individuals charged in connection with Matthew Perry's ketamine overdose, has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of distribution of ketamine. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison, though his plea agreement suggests a recommended sentence between 15 and 21 months.  

Incident Details  

Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. An autopsy revealed high levels of ketamine in his system, leading to an investigation into how he obtained the drug.  

Plasencia allegedly purchased ketamine from Dr. Mark Chavez, another physician involved in the case, and sold it to Perry at inflated prices. Prosecutors presented text messages in which Plasencia referred to Perry as a moron and discussed how much he could charge him.  

Other Convictions  

Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty in October 2024 to conspiring to distribute ketamine.  

Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in personal assistant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine in August 2024.  

Erik Fleming, who allegedly brokered drug deals, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges.  

Jasveen Sangha, known as the Ketamine Queen, is accused of supplying Perry with the fatal dose. She has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is scheduled for August 2025. 

Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression, but prosecutors argue that he had developed an addiction to the substance. His death shocked fans worldwide, reigniting discussions about celebrity drug abuse and medical ethics.