Matthew Perry’s ketamine doctor pleads guilty
In a significant federal case, the doctor who supplied ketamine to Matthew Perry has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal drug distribution, intensifying scrutiny on the misuse of at‑home ketamine treatments and prompting calls for regulatory reform.
From the start, Matthew Perry’s ketamine doctor pleads guilty drives home the key news: Dr. Salvador Plasencia admitted in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on July 23, 2025, that he illegally distributed ketamine to the Friends star in the weeks preceding his death in October 2023. Though not responsible for the final fatal dose, Plasencia is one of five individuals indicted in the case, and this plea marks a pivotal moment in a high-profile investigation.
The Guilty Plea and Legal Implications
Dr. Salvador Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine illegally, facing up to 40 years in prison as part of a plea deal that dismissed additional charges of distribution and record falsification. He will remain free on bond until sentencing on December 3, 2025, and has agreed to surrender his medical license voluntarily within 45 days. His legal defense emphasizes that he is “profoundly remorseful” and intends for his case to prompt stricter oversight of ketamine distribution.
Timeline of Events and Extent of Distribution
Starting around September 30, 2023, Dr. Plasencia illegally supplied Perry with approximately 20 vials of ketamine (totaling 100 mg), along with ketamine lozenges and syringes, sourced via another doctor, Mark Chavez. Plasencia personally administered injections at Perry’s home and even in a car, where one injection triggered alarming symptoms such as freezing and elevated blood pressure, before leaving more ketamine for Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to administer later. Text messages unearthed during the investigation revealed Plasencia referred to Perry as a “moron” and speculated on exploiting him financially.
Other Players Charged in the Case
Plasencia is the fourth of five individuals charged. Co-defendants include Dr. Mark Chavez and assistant Kenneth Iwamasa—both pleaded guilty in 2024—as well as drug dealer Erik Fleming, recently photographed following his guilty plea to distributing ketamine to the actor. The final defendant, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” remains at large and has pleaded not guilty. Her trial is scheduled for August 2025.
Broader Context: Addiction, Treatment, and Ethics
Matthew Perry, aged 54 at his death on October 28, 2023, had long battled addiction and sought ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for depression and anxiety. However, in the weeks before his death, he pushed beyond medically prescribed limits, turning to unauthorized sources for additional doses—raising deep ethical questions about the boundaries between therapy and abuse. The actor died in his hot tub, with the medical examiner concluding his death stemmed from acute ketamine effects, compounded by drowning and coronary issues.
Public Reaction and Industry Fallout
The case has shocked both Hollywood and the medical community. The disclosure that a licensed doctor not only supplied substances but also demeaned a patient has spurred debates on safeguarding vulnerable individuals and regulating at‑home ketamine therapies. Plasencia’s attorneys hope this case becomes a wake‑up call for enforcing clear protocols and stricter licensing rules. Media coverage includes major outlets like Reuters, People magazine, Vanity Fair, and international reporting—reflecting widespread concern and international resonance. Vanity Fair.
Conclusion
The plea by Matthew Perry’s ketamine doctor underscores a tragic intersection of celebrity mental health struggles, addiction, and medical misconduct. As Dr. Plasencia faces sentencing later this year, the spotlight intensifies on urgent calls for reform within the growing ketamine treatment industry. This case serves as both a grim warning and an opportunity to institute tighter regulations to protect patients.
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