Matthew Perry’s doctor, Salvador Plasencia, has pleaded guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution and is set to be sentenced on Dec. 3. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has confirmed that as part of the plea deal, Plasencia, 43, will surrender his medical license within the next 30-45 days. Despite the guilty plea, he will remain free on bond until his sentencing.
Back in June, Plasencia admitted to distributing ketamine to the late “Friends” star without a legitimate medical purpose, who tragically passed away in October 2023 due to an overdose. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped charges of falsifying medical records and additional counts of distribution.
Meanwhile, Jasveen Sangha, also known as the “Ketamine Queen,” is the only remaining defendant in the case and is scheduled to face trial next month. She is accused of operating a stash house in North Hollywood for the illegal distribution of the drug.
Initially, Plasencia was supposed to go on trial alongside Sangha, but his legal team negotiated a plea agreement before the trial commenced. Despite facing a maximum sentence of 40 years, it is expected that he will receive a lesser sentence under federal sentencing guidelines.
During the proceedings, prosecutors outlined the circumstances surrounding the charges and acknowledged that Plasencia did not provide Perry with the fatal dose. Plasencia only spoke when prompted by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett.
Three other defendants in the case, Erik Fleming, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Mark Chavez, have previously agreed to plead guilty to a single count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
Authorities had previously accused Plasencia of creating a fake “treatment plan” for Perry after his death in an attempt to cover up his actions. Additionally, text messages revealed Plasencia bragging about his arrangement with Perry to another doctor, indicating a callous attitude towards the situation.
The case continues to unfold as sentencing approaches for Plasencia and the trial for Sangha looms. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
