The doctor accused of supplying Matthew Perry with illegal doses of ketamine before the actor’s death has pleaded guilty. On Wednesday, Dr. Salvador Plasencia entered a guilty plea in federal court to four counts of distributing the drug without a valid prescription.
Plasencia admitted to providing Perry with ketamine illegally in the weeks leading up to the "Friends" actor’s accidental overdose in October 2023. In return for his plea, prosecutors dropped three other distribution charges and two counts of falsifying medical records. He now faces a maximum prison sentence of 40 years.
Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. He was discovered unresponsive and face-down in his jacuzzi. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report revealed that Perry died from the "acute effects of ketamine," with other contributing factors including coronary artery disease, buprenorphine use, and drowning.
Prosecutors say Plasencia provided Perry with 20 vials of ketamine—amounting to 100 milligrams—plus lozenges and syringes, beginning about a month before Perry’s death. The drugs were not part of Perry’s legal treatment plan. Though he had been receiving ketamine as an off-label treatment for depression under medical supervision, he had begun seeking additional doses after his doctor refused to increase the prescription.
Plasencia also involved another physician, Dr. Mark Chavez, to help supply the drug. In court filings, prosecutors revealed that Plasencia sent a text to a co-defendant saying, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” referring to Perry. He allegedly charged the actor $4,500 for the drugs and later asked Chavez to continue supplying Perry so they could become his “go-to” source.
Chavez previously pleaded guilty to a separate ketamine distribution charge and faces up to 10 years in prison.
Plasencia was one of five defendants in the case. Federal officials say all the accused exploited Perry’s addiction for personal gain. After pleading guilty, Plasencia remains free on bond and is expected to give up his medical license within 30 to 45 days. His sentencing is scheduled for December 3.
Entertainment
Giuffre's Family Responds to Trump’s Epstein Mar-a-Lago Claim
Virginia Giuffre’s family has reacted to former U.S.
Justin Timberlake Reveals Lyme Disease Battle After Tour Ends
Justin Timberlake has opened up for the first time about being diagnosed with Lyme disease, a serious illness caused by tick bites.
Jason Momoa Shaves Off Iconic Beard Ahead of Dune 3
Jason Momoa has shaved off his famous beard, surprising fans just as anticipation builds for Dune: Part Three.
Fans Bid Emotional Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham
Thousands of fans gathered in Birmingham on Wednesday to say a heartfelt goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman who died last week at age 76.
Gwyneth Paltrow Joins Astronomer Briefly After Kiss Cam Scandal
A data analytics company has taken an unexpected turn in crisis management by recruiting Gwyneth Paltrow as a temporary spokesperson following a viral scandal.
Jazz Legend Chuck Mangione Dies at 84 After Award-Winning Career
Grammy-winning jazz musician Chuck Mangione has died at the age of 84, leaving behind a celebrated musical legacy that spanned decades.
Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux Expecting First Child Together
Nigerian influencer Priscilla Ojo and Tanzanian musician Juma Jux have announced that they are expecting their first child together.
Sean Kingston’s Mother Jailed for $1M Fraud, Singer Awaits Sentencing
Sean Kingston’s mother, Janice Turner, has been sentenced to five years in prison and three years of probation in a federal wire fraud case involving more than $1 million.
Man From Viral Jubilee Video Says He Lost Job After Backlash
The man known as Connor, who appeared in a widely circulated Jubilee video, says he lost his job following the online reaction to his views.
Idaho Victims’ Families Deliver Emotional Statements at Sentencing
Bryan Kohberger has been sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.
Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham Reissue Long-Lost 1973 Album
Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham have confirmed the long-awaited reissue of their 1973 debut album Buckingham Nicks.
Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76, Fans Mourn His Legacy
Fans gathered Tuesday evening at the Hollywood Walk of Fame to pay tribute to legendary rock star Ozzy Osbourne, who has died at the age of 76.
David Letterman Criticizes CBS Over Colbert and Show’s Cancellation
David Letterman has spoken out against CBS after the network announced it would cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026, calling the decision disappointing and financially motivated.
President Ruto Donates Sh1M to KK Mwenyewe’s Bereaved Family
President William Ruto has donated Sh1 million to the family of the late comedian Zakaria Kariuki, popularly known as Mr.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies at 54 in Drowning Accident in Costa Rica
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54.