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Santa Monica Doctor to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry Death Investigation
A Santa Monica doctor has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry. Dr. Salvador Plasencia’s plea agreement, filed Monday, marks a significant development in the ongoing federal investigation.
Perry, best known for his role on the hit television show “Friends,” died in October 2023 at the age of 54. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner attributed his death to the acute effects of ketamine and subsequent drowning. Perry was found in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home.
Plasencia is one of five individuals charged in relation to Perry’s death. Prosecutors allege an underground network of drug suppliers and sellers provided the ketamine that ultimately led to the actor’s passing.
The plea agreement details Plasencia’s involvement, including his collaboration with another doctor, Mark Chavez, who previously pleaded guilty. Plasencia admitted to selling ketamine to Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, between September 30 and October 12, 2023.
Previous reports from the U.S. Attorney’s office highlighted text messages where Plasencia discussed profiting from Perry and becoming his sole supplier.
Plasencia faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a three-year supervised release period, and substantial fines. He is expected to formally enter his plea in the coming weeks.
This marks the fourth guilty plea in the case. Plasencia was initially set to be tried alongside alleged drug dealer Jasveen Sangha in August.