Doctor to Plead Guilty in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Overdose

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A doctor charged with giving Matthew Perry ketamine in the month leading up to the “Friends” star’s death has agreed to plead guilty, authorities said Monday. Dr. Salvador Plasencia has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of distribution of ketamine, federal prosecutors announced in a statement.

The plea carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Plasencia is expected to enter his plea in the coming weeks. According to a co-defendant, Plasencia referred to Perry as a “moron” in a text message, indicating his views on the actor’s susceptibility.

Plasencia was a primary target of the prosecution alongside a woman accused of being a ketamine dealer. Three other defendants, including another doctor, pleaded guilty last year as part of a deal for their cooperation in the investigation.

Perry was discovered dead by his assistant on October 28, 2023. The medical examiner determined that ketamine played a role in his death. Perry, 54, had been using the drug through his regular doctor for off-label treatment of depression, a method that has gained popularity.

In the weeks leading to his death, Perry sought more ketamine than his doctor could prescribe. Plasencia then allegedly contacted another doctor, Mark Chavez, to help procure the drug. Text messages exchanged between the two revealed Plasencia’s intentions, including plans for ongoing distribution to Perry.

Initially, Plasencia personally visited Perry’s residence and injected him with ketamine. He also instructed Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, on how to administer the drug. In addition to Plasencia, another alleged supplier, Jasveen Sangha, remains in jail awaiting trial after pleading not guilty.

Friends and associates of Perry, including Erik Fleming, have also pleaded guilty and are cooperating with prosecutors. No sentences have been handed down yet.

Perry, who gained fame as Chandler Bing on the acclaimed sitcom, struggled with addiction throughout his life, particularly during his time on the show which aired from 1994 to 2004.