On July 23, 2025, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California‑based emergency physician, stood before a federal judge in Los Angeles and pleaded guilty to four felony counts of distributing ketamine—the very drug that tragically played a central role in Matthew Perry’s death.
Who Is Dr. Salvador Plasencia?
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 43, operated a small urgent-care clinic in Malibu and provided ketamine treatments—off-label yet increasingly common for severe depression—to high-profile clients.
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| Dr. Salvador Plasencia |
Texts revealed in the case show him referring to Perry as a “moron,” supposedly mocking the star’s addiction and the money he would spend.
Between September and October 2023, Plasencia reportedly supplied Perry with 20 vials of ketamine (about 100 mg), plus lozenges and syringes.
Though he admitted in court he did administer one injection that caused Perry’s blood pressure to spike, he claimed he didn’t provide the final dose that killed him.
What Actually Happened to Matthew Perry?
You probably know that Matthew Perry died in October 2023, found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home.
The official medical examiner said ketamine overdose was the main cause, though drowning and an underlying heart issue contributed, too. It was ruled an accidental death. He was 54.
Perry had battled addiction for years, and in recent times had been using ketamine off‑label for depression treatment.
He hit a point where his regular medical source wouldn’t give him enough—and that’s where the other crew came in, providing more and more doses.
Not Only Dr. Salvador Plasencia The Bigger Crew Tied to This
It wasn’t only Dr. Plasencia tied to this mess. In fact, five people face charges:
- Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, admitted he injected the final (fatal) dose and pleaded guilty last year.
- Mark Chavez, another physician, also pleaded guilty in October 2024.
- Erik Fleming, a friend and intermediary, pleaded guilty earlier too.
- And not to be left out, Jasveen Sangha—dubbed the “Ketamine Queen”—is still awaiting trial, having pleaded not guilty.
So Plasencia is the fourth person to plead guilty in this case.
The Plea Hearing Basics
In court, it was pretty somber. Dr. Plasencia was quiet and spoke only when asked questions like whether he'd thought through the plea and sentencing options (“They’ve considered everything,” he said).
His lawyers say he's “profoundly remorseful” and will hand over his license within 30 to 45 days.
He’ll remain free on bond until his sentencing on December 3, 2025. Until then, the big question is: how much time will he really serve? Even with a max of 40 years, plea deals like this usually result in far less.
The Industry Backlash
This whole scandal is shining a harsh light on at‑home ketamine therapy—a trend that’s been gaining momentum. Therapists and clinics have been offering ketamine in non‑hospital settings to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD—you name it.
It’s often borderline experimental, and this case has set off alarm bells. Plasencia’s lawyers and prosecutors alike are saying this incident should spark stricter rules.
They want checks and balances so one person’s tragedy doesn’t become another’s prescription mistake. Could it lead to new laws? We’ll see.
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