Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician accused of providing ketamine to ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry in the months leading to his death, has agreed to a plea deal in federal court. According to documents obtained by Fox News Digital, the plea agreement, filed on Monday, includes four counts of distribution of ketamine. The potential sentence for the charges is up to 40 years in prison, and Plasencia is expected to enter his plea in the coming weeks.
Nearly nine months after Perry’s death, authorities announced that five people were arrested and charged with multiple counts in connection to his death. The investigation revealed a complex web of individuals involved in the distribution of ketamine to Perry. U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Martin Estrada stated that the defendants reportedly distributed approximately 20 vials for about $50,000 in cash to Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenny Iwamasa, who was tasked with injecting the actor with the drug. Another sale involved 50 vials of ketamine for $11,000 in cash. These transactions highlighted the financial aspects of the drug distribution network linked to Perry’s death.
Plasencia, a ketamine source, was introduced to Perry by his assistant in September 2023. The doctor allegedly taught the assistant how to inject Perry with the drug, which Plasencia obtained from Dr. Mark Chavez, who previously ran a ketamine clinic and is alleged to have submitted a fraudulent prescription to secure the drug. The investigation also revealed that Plasencia, who wrote to Dr. Chavez with remarks like ‘I wonder how much this moron will pay,’ was central in supplying the majority of Perry’s ketamine in his final weeks. The case underscores the role of medical professionals in the illegal distribution of controlled substances and raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers in such circumstances.
The investigation into Perry’s death has brought to light the broader issues surrounding the use of ketamine as both a therapeutic and recreational drug. While ketamine is recognized for its medical applications, including treatments for depression and anxiety, its misuse has led to tragic consequences. The case of Matthew Perry highlights the potential dangers of unregulated access to such drugs and the need for stricter oversight in both medical and recreational contexts. As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of medicine and drug distribution, emphasizing the ethical and legal boundaries that must be maintained to prevent similar tragedies in the future.