A major update has emerged in the investigation into Friends actor Matthew Perry’s death. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the California-based physician accused of illegally supplying ketamine to Perry in the weeks before his passing, has agreed to plead guilty to multiple federal charges — and now faces a potential sentence of up to 40 years behind bars.
Doctor accepts plea deal in Perry’s overdose case
According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Plasencia has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine without a legitimate medical purpose. The plea deal, filed Monday in federal court in Los Angeles, outlines that the doctor supplied Perry with ketamine vials, lozenges, and syringes between September 30 and October 12, 2023. He also administered the drug at the actor’s home and, on one occasion, in a parking lot.
Prosecutors said the drugs provided by Plasencia contributed to Perry’s death on October 28, 2023, when the actor was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles residence. A toxicology report confirmed the cause of death as the acute effects of ketamine, along with drowning and coronary artery disease.
Text messages and misconduct revealed
The case against Plasencia includes a damning text message exchange in which he reportedly referred to Perry as a “moron” who could be “milked for money.” In his plea agreement, the doctor admits that his actions fell below proper medical standards and that the ketamine provided was not for legitimate therapeutic use. Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was also a recipient of the drug, prosecutors allege.
Plasencia is among five individuals charged in connection with the case. Three others — including another physician — previously agreed to plea deals, offering their cooperation. A woman believed to be a ketamine dealer is also facing charges.
Remembering Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, died at age 54. In a recent People magazine feature, his stepfather, Keith Morrison, shared that Matthew’s dying wish was to be remembered not just for his fame, but for helping others — a legacy his family now hopes to honour.