Doctor Pleads Guilty to Distributing Ketamine to Matthew Perry

Dr. Salvador Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to Perry's fatal overdose in October 2023. Plasencia, who initially pleaded not guilty, admitted to supplying Perry with 20 vials of ketamine, ketamine lozenges, and syringes about a month before his death, although prosecutors clarified he did not provide the fatal dose. In court, it was revealed that Perry experienced severe adverse effects from one injection Plasencia administered, yet more ketamine was left for Perry's assistant to use later. The doctor, who referred to Perry as a "moron" in text messages discussing charging him for the drugs, faces up to 40 years in prison but is likely to receive a reduced sentence under the plea deal. Plasencia expressed profound remorse for his actions, plans to voluntarily surrender his medical license, and is scheduled for sentencing in December 2025. He is the fourth of five defendants charged in connection with Perry's death to admit guilt, with other individuals, including Perry's personal assistant and another doctor, also cooperating with authorities.