Matthew Perry's Death Case Ends With 4th Conviction, Doctor Guilty

A Fourth Conviction in Matthew Perry's Death Case

A fourth conviction has emerged in the ongoing investigation into the death of actor Matthew Perry. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a medical professional, has pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine. This development was announced by the Department of Justice during a hearing on Wednesday, July 23.

Dr. Plasencia's attorney, Karen Goldstein, expressed that he is deeply remorseful for the treatment decisions made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry. She emphasized that he is fully accepting responsibility by pleading guilty to drug distribution charges. The attorney also noted that Plasencia will voluntarily surrender his medical license as an acknowledgment of his "failure to protect" the late actor, who struggled with addiction.

Although Dr. Plasencia was not treating Mr. Perry at the time of his death, his attorney stated that he hopes his case serves as a warning to other medical professionals. The goal is to encourage stricter oversight and clear protocols for the rapidly growing at-home ketamine industry to prevent future tragedies.

Plasencia remains out on bond until his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for December 3, 2025. He faces up to 40 years in prison. His conviction comes two months after he agreed to a plea deal.

In the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California stated that Plasencia would appear and plead guilty to Counts Six, Eight, Nine, and Ten of the first superseding indictment in United States v. Salvador Plasencia. Each count charges him with distribution of ketamine.

Matthew Perry passed away at age 54 due to the "acute effects of ketamine" in October 2023. While his death was initially ruled an accident, the Los Angeles Police Department opened an investigation several months later.

In August 2024, five individuals were charged in connection with Perry's death: Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Jasveen Sangha, Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, and Dr. Mark Chavez. Iwamasa, Perry's live-in assistant, admitted to administering ketamine to the actor. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Iwamasa is scheduled to be sentenced in November.

That same month, Fleming admitted that he supplied the ketamine that led to Perry's death. He subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Fleming is also scheduled to be sentenced in November.

In October 2024, Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine and will be sentenced in September.

Jasveen Sangha, who has been referred to as the "Ketamine Queen," has been accused of selling ketamine to Perry and working with Fleming and Iwamasa to distribute the drugs to the actor. She has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go on trial in August.

Key Individuals Charged in the Case

• Dr. Salvador Plasencia: Pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine.
• Kenneth Iwamasa: Admitted to administering ketamine to Perry and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
• Erik Fleming: Admitted to supplying the ketamine that killed Perry and pleaded guilty to two counts.
• Dr. Mark Chavez: Pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine.
• Jasveen Sangha: Accused of selling ketamine to Perry and distributing it with others. She has pleaded not guilty and is set for trial.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The legal proceedings continue with multiple individuals facing charges related to Matthew Perry's death. Each case highlights the complex web of responsibilities and actions that contributed to the tragic outcome. As the cases move forward, the focus remains on accountability, prevention, and the need for better oversight in the use of substances like ketamine.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).