Doctor Salvador Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of illegally distributing ketamine to Matthew Perry, the actor known for his role in Friends, in the period leading up to Perry's October 28, 2023 death. Plasencia entered his plea on Wednesday in a Los Angeles federal court before Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett as part of a plea deal, dropping other charges in exchange. His lawyer, Debra White, stated Plasencia is "profoundly remorseful" and will voluntarily surrender his medical license. Plasencia admitted to providing Perry with ketamine, including 20 vials totaling 100 milligrams, in the month before his death, and acknowledged administering one injection and observing a blood pressure spike. Prosecutors stated Plasencia did not supply the fatal dose.

An autopsy report attributed Perry's death to the acute effects of ketamine, also noting contributing factors such as coronary artery disease and long-term drug use. Perry had been legally prescribed ketamine for depression but sought additional supplies outside legal channels. Plasencia is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the case; a fifth, Jasveen Sangha, accused of providing the fatal dose, has pleaded not guilty and faces trial in August. Court filings revealed text messages indicating Plasencia profited $4,500 from ketamine sales to Perry.

Impact Statement: This guilty plea is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Matthew Perry's death.