In brief
Federal prosecutors reveal that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, accused of giving actor Matthew Perry access to ketamine prior to his tragic overdose, has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of distribution.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California physician, is set to plead guilty to four counts related to the distribution of ketamine, as announced by federal prosecutors. The plea, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 40 years, is expected to take place within the next few weeks. Matthew Perry, the beloved actor known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom "Friends," tragically passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. His death stunned fans worldwide, particularly as he had long been candid about his battles with depression and addiction.Text messages between Dr. Plasencia and his colleague, Dr. Mark Chavez, who has also pleaded guilty, provide further insight into the nature of their relationship with Perry. These messages reveal derogatory remarks from Plasencia towards Perry, including calling him a "moron" and discussing the cost of drugs. Evidence from the plea agreement indicates that Plasencia administered ketamine injections to Perry both at his residence and in a public parking lot. Additionally, Plasencia allegedly instructed Perry's assistant—who is also facing charges—on how to administer the drug and provided extra vials for personal use at home. Dr. Plasencia is among a group of five individuals implicated in an alleged underground network that supplied Perry with ketamine. While Perry was legally prescribed the drug for his depression, he sought additional quantities beyond his prescription. The plea agreement outlines that in the weeks leading up to Perry's death, between September 30 and October 12, 2023, Dr. Plasencia sold a total of twenty vials of ketamine to Perry and his assistant, along with syringes for administration. Legal representatives for Dr. Plasencia have not provided immediate comments regarding this developing case.
