Who is Dr. Salvador Plasencia? Matthew Perry’s doctor to plead guilty in case

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As a devoted admirer, I’m sharing that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a medical professional who has been accused of wrongdoing in relation to Matthew Perry’s tragic demise from an overdose, is preparing to admit his guilt regarding the incident involving the Friends star. It’s important to note that some readers might find this topic distressing due to its sensitive nature.

Back in my days on Friends, folks knew me as Chandler Bing, but off-camera, I was grappling with addiction, battling drug use that I eventually overcame. Fast forward to October 28, 2023, and here I am, at the age of 54. Unfortunately, that’s the date when I took my final bow.

The autopsy concluded that the immediate cause of death was “acute ketamine intoxication” followed by drowning. Initially thought to be an accident, further investigations uncovered a hidden network supplying the drug.

In 2024, five people were apprehended, with two being doctors among them. The investigation concerning this group continues. One of these medical professionals, Dr. Plasencia from California, stands accused of unlawfully providing ketamine to a patient named Perry, who later passed away under suspicious circumstances.

Who is Dr. Salvador Plasencia?

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, also known as “Dr. P,” is a medical professional who operated Malibu Canyon Urgent Care until his DEA license was rescinded in 2024. He began providing care for Matthew Perry sometime around September 2023, following an introduction through one of his patients.

As per the court papers, it’s stated that he learned Perry was searching for ketamine and was prepared to pay a substantial amount for it. Instead of offering regular medical care, Plasencia supposedly started supplying and personally giving ketamine to Perry, disregarding professional standards.

As a gamer, I’ve learned that I was rumored to have reached out to Dr. Mark Chavez, who apparently was helping me get ketamine through my live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. In the same breath, both Chavez and Iwamasa found themselves in cuffs and charged for their alleged involvement in this case.

Law enforcement officials allege that from September to October 2023, Plasencia provided Perry with no less than 20 vials of ketamine and a package filled with ketamine lozenges. Additionally, they assert that Plasencia personally administered the drug to the actor known as Friends.

Additionally, Plasencia trained Perry’s inexperienced aide, Iwamasa, on administering injections to the actor. Shocking text messages from the indictment display him ridiculing Perry, saying to Chavez, “I wonder how much this simpleton will pay.

In addition to questionable supply practices, it’s claimed that Plasencia also fabricated documents. While he didn’t directly administer the lethal dose, he is said to have significantly contributed to Perry’s drug addiction and made it easier for him to obtain dangerous substances.

After the 2024 arrest, US Attorney Martin Estrada stated, “Their focus was on making money from Mr. Perry, rather than ensuring his health and safety.

Criminals peddling harmful drugs are risking others’ lives due to their greed. By pursuing and convicting these drug traffickers responsible for fatalities, we aim to make it unequivocally clear that such individuals will face consequences for the lives they endanger through their illegal activities.

Plasencia enters plea deal in Matthew Perry case

On June 16, 2025, court papers disclosed that Plasencia confessed to admitting guilt for four federal charges related to the distribution of ketamine. This includes dealing with both Perry and his assistant.

Instead of the original charges, the prosecution will dismiss three counts of distributing illegal items and two counts of fabricating records. In the near future, he is anticipated to officially admit guilt for these charges, which could result in a maximum prison term of 40 years.

In the upcoming trial, both the prosecution and defense may bring up factors that could reduce the sentence, although a specific court date hasn’t been decided yet. Notably, Plasencia becomes the fourth defendant to accept a plea bargain in this case.

Individually, Iwamasa and Chavez have confessed their guilt, acknowledging their involvement in procuring and managing the ketamine. On another note, Erik Fleming, a past rehab center director and drug vendor, has also admitted to charges related to distribution.

Among the five individuals involved, it’s Jasveen Sangha, often referred to as “the Ketamine Queen”, who hasn’t agreed to a plea deal so far. She faces charges for allegedly providing the fatal dose that led to Perry’s death, and her trial is set for August.

This year, I learned that even amidst the allegations against him, Dr. Plasencia has managed to keep his medical practice active. His clinic remains open following the renewal of his license.

If he chooses to admit guilt officially, it’s probable that he’ll forfeit his medical license and be unable to practice medicine in the future. The trial is still underway.

For more on the case, find out how to watch the documentary Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy.

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2025-06-17 14:20