Doctor to Admit Guilt in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case

Dr. Salvador Plasencia faces charges related to alleged drug distribution linked to the Friends star's overdose.

A California doctor has agreed to plead guilty in connection with the tragic overdose of actor Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing in the sitcom Friends. Federal prosecutors announced that Dr. Salvador Plasencia is set to plead guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine, a party drug that has gained notoriety for its use in both clinical and recreational settings. The plea carries a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.

Matthew Perry was found dead in October 2023 in his hot tub, drawing widespread condolences and shock from fans and colleagues alike. He was 54 years old and had previously been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health. The allegations against Dr. Plasencia state that he had an active role in providing Perry with access to ketamine leading up to his death. Prosecutors revealed that text messages showed inappropriate comments made by Dr. Plasencia about Perry's drug-seeking behavior.

Court documents indicate that Dr. Plasencia not only injected Perry with ketamine but also instructed Perry's assistant in administering the drug. The physician is one of five individuals implicated in a broader underground network allegedly orchestrating the distribution of ketamine to the beloved actor. Perry had been prescribed the drug legally for treating his depression but sought additional quantities beyond his prescription.

In a time frame of just over two weeks, Dr. Plasencia reportedly sold 20 vials of ketamine to Perry and his assistant, a concerning statistic that sheds light on the seriousness of their actions. Legal representation for Dr. Plasencia has not yet publicly commented on the case as the situation develops.