California doctor to plead guilty in Matthew Perry’s fatal ketamine scandal-OxBig News Network

A makeshift memorial for actor Matthew Perry, the wise-cracking co-star of the 1990s hit television sitcom ‘Friends,’ who was found dead at his Los Angeles home October 28, is pictured on Bedford Street in Manhattan in New York City
| Photo Credit: REUTERS

A California doctor accused of illegally supplying ketamine to Friends star Matthew Perry has agreed to plead guilty, federal prosecutors announced Monday. Dr. Salvador Plasencia faces four counts of distributing the controlled substance, carrying a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. He is expected to formally enter his plea in the coming weeks.

Perry, beloved worldwide for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead in his Los Angeles hot tub in October 2023 at the age of 54. His death shocked fans, despite his long-standing openness about his battles with depression and addiction. Ketamine was identified as a contributing factor in the autopsy report.

Court documents reveal disturbing details about Dr. Plasencia’s role. According to text messages shared with prosecutors by another doctor who already pleaded guilty in the case, Plasencia referred to Perry as a “moron” and speculated about how much Perry would pay for the drug.

Prosecutors say Plasencia injected Perry with ketamine at his home and even in a parking lot at the Long Beach Aquarium. He also reportedly taught Perry’s assistant — who has been charged as well — how to administer the drug and sold them extra vials to keep on hand.

Between late September and mid-October 2023, Plasencia allegedly supplied Perry and his assistant with twenty vials of ketamine, lozenges, and syringes. The doctor is one of five people charged in what authorities describe as an illegal network of medical professionals and dealers providing ketamine to the actor, who was already receiving prescribed doses for depression but sought more.