In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into actor Matthew Perry’s tragic death, Dr. Salvador Plasencia has officially pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges related to the illegal distribution of ketamine. The plea, entered in a Los Angeles federal court on July 23, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the case that has gripped both Hollywood and the public since Perry’s unexpected passing in October 2023.
Fourth Defendant to Plead Guilty
Dr. Plasencia became the fourth of five individuals charged in connection with the Matthew Perry ketamine death case to admit guilt. The federal investigation has uncovered a disturbing web of illegal drug distribution involving several medical professionals and close associates of the late actor.
According to court records, Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty to four felony counts of illegally dispensing ketamine without a legitimate medical purpose. The charges allege that Plasencia routinely provided Perry with the powerful dissociative anesthetic outside of standard medical protocols, even after the actor had shown signs of adverse reactions.
A Timeline of Tragedy and Responsibility
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead in his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The official autopsy later revealed that he died from the acute effects of ketamine, along with traces of other prescription medications in his system. His death prompted a year-long investigation that ultimately led to federal charges against five individuals.
Here’s how the case has progressed:
- Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, was the first to plead guilty in August 2024. He admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine on multiple occasions.
- Erik Fleming, a known drug supplier, also entered a guilty plea around the same time, acknowledging his role in supplying the deadly dose.
- Dr. Mark Chavez, another medical professional, confessed to supplying ketamine to Plasencia without proper oversight.
- Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who treated Perry both in clinical settings and outside, including his home and even a parking lot, now joins the list of guilty parties.
Only Jasveen Sangha, a woman prosecutors have referred to as the “Ketamine Queen,” remains without a plea. Her trial is set for August 2025.
Shocking Details from the Courtroom
During his court appearance, Plasencia admitted to providing Perry with ketamine even after observing dangerous side effects. According to prosecutors, Perry had episodes where he would “freeze” or experience dangerously elevated blood pressure — yet the treatments continued.
In one particularly damning exchange revealed by investigators, Plasencia referred to Perry as a “moron” in text messages after hearing of his death, a callous remark that sparked public outrage.
The doctor has agreed to relinquish his medical license within 30 to 45 days and faces up to 40 years in federal prison, with fines potentially reaching $2 million. Sentencing is currently scheduled for December 3, 2025.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The news of Plasencia’s plea has sent ripples across the entertainment world and raised questions about the accountability of medical professionals in celebrity culture. Critics argue that Perry, a well-known advocate for addiction recovery, was failed by those entrusted with his care.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that this case should serve as a “clear warning” to others in the medical community who might compromise patient safety for profit or personal relationships.
The DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office released a joint statement after the plea hearing, stating:
“No one, regardless of fame or fortune, is above the law. This case underscores the importance of ethical medical practices and the devastating consequences when they are ignored.”
A Cautionary Tale for Hollywood
The case of Matthew Perry’s death, now revealed to be more than an accidental overdose, paints a tragic picture of how fame, addiction, and medical negligence can intersect. Plasencia’s plea only deepens the sorrow felt by fans and supporters who admired Perry for his honesty about his lifelong struggles with substance abuse.
Many hope this case will spark stronger federal oversight on the use of experimental or non-traditional treatments like ketamine, which, although FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, remains a controlled substance with high abuse potential.
What Happens Next?
With four out of five defendants having now pleaded guilty, all eyes turn to Jasveen Sangha’s upcoming trial. Prosecutors are expected to present substantial evidence linking her to the network of ketamine suppliers who contributed to Perry’s death.
Meanwhile, sentencing hearings for Plasencia and the other guilty parties will unfold over the next few months — bringing what many hope is justice for one of television’s most beloved stars.
