Inside Story

A doctor connected to the ketamine use that contributed to Matthew Perry’s tragic death is preparing to plead guilty to multiple federal drug charges.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a Santa Monica physician, has reached a plea deal with the Department of Justice after being charged with four counts of ketamine distribution. The charges stem from an investigation into Perry’s October 2023 overdose, which was ruled to be caused by “acute effects of ketamine,” with drowning and heart disease listed as contributing factors.

Plasencia, who allegedly charged the “Friends” star inflated prices, is accused of exploiting Perry’s addiction alongside San Diego doctor Mark Chavez. Text messages between the two doctors revealed a disturbing lack of empathy, with Plasencia once writing, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”

While prosecutors say Plasencia did not directly provide the fatal dose, his actions form part of a broader web of culpability. Several others—Perry’s assistant, a treatment center director, and the alleged supplier dubbed the “Ketamine Queen”—are also facing legal consequences.

If convicted, Plasencia could face up to 40 years in prison and over $1 million in fines. Sentencing could be reduced under the plea terms, but the scandal has already left a lasting mark.

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