Dr. Salvador Plasencia is set to plead guilty to charges relating to the distribution of ketamine to the late actor Matthew Perry, revealing a troubling network of medical professionals and drug misuse.
California Doctor to Admit Guilt in Connection to Matthew Perry's Death
California Doctor to Admit Guilt in Connection to Matthew Perry's Death
A plea deal highlights the dark side of celebrity addiction and medication misuse.
In a shocking turn of events, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California physician, is preparing to plead guilty to charges of distributing ketamine to the late Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular TV show Friends. Federal prosecutors announced that Plasencia faces four counts related to the supply of the drug, which could carry a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison when he formally enters his plea in the coming weeks.
Matthew Perry was tragically found dead in his hot tub in October 2023 at the age of 54, a death that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. Despite his candid discussions about battling depression and addiction, the unexpected nature of his passing left fans reeling.
Allegations revealed through text messages shared with prosecutors suggest a disturbing relationship between Perry and Dr. Plasencia, with the physician reportedly labeling the actor a "moron" and joking about the price he would pay for ketamine. Documents tied to the plea deal indicate that Plasencia not only injected Perry with ketamine in various locations, including his home and the parking lot of the Long Beach Aquarium, but also instructed Perry's assistant on how to administer the drug himself.
Dr. Plasencia is among five individuals implicated in an alleged underground network that provided the actor with illicit access to ketamine. While Perry had previously been prescribed the drug legally to help manage his mental health, he sought additional quantities on his own, leading to the involvement of this network. The plea agreement disclosed that between September 30 and October 12, 2023, Dr. Plasencia sold twenty vials of ketamine, along with syringes, to Perry and his assistant. Legal representatives for Plasencia were unavailable for immediate comment regarding the ongoing case.
