Another Guilty Plea in Connection to Matthew Perry’s Fatal Overdose
Matthew Perry’s death at just 54 years old sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, especially given his openness about his struggles with addiction. The tragic loss of the beloved Friends star continues to reverberate, with new developments surfacing in the investigation surrounding his death.
Two years after the actor was found unconscious in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home, authorities are finishing piecing together the circumstances that led to his untimely passing.
Related: Shocking Revelation Made About Matthew Perry’s Drug Dealer
The investigation into Perry’s death began shortly after it was revealed that he had died from the “acute effects” of ketamine, a potent anesthetic. What shocked many was the discovery that, despite Perry’s years of public battles with addiction, he had been using ketamine in secret—a revelation that shook fans who believed the actor was sober at the time of his death.
What followed was a joint investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which uncovered a web of individuals involved in the illegal distribution of ketamine. This investigation has led to multiple arrests, guilty pleas, and a growing list of charges tied to Perry’s death.
In the past year, three individuals have already pleaded guilty to charges related to the actor’s fatal overdose. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s longtime assistant, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, admitting to repeatedly injecting Perry with the drug, including on the day of his death.
He, along with Erik Fleming, who also pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution charges, will face sentencing later this year, with both men facing substantial prison terms.
The guilty plea of Dr. Mark Chavez in October 2024 marked another significant moment in the case. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, which ultimately resulted in Perry’s death. Though he was freed on bond, his sentencing is still pending.
Related: Disturbing Text Messages Prove How Deeply Matthew Perry Was Victimized
While these guilty pleas have shed light on the dark circumstances surrounding Perry’s death, a new twist in the investigation came just days ago when Dr. Salvador Plasencia, one of the accused doctors, agreed to plead guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine to Perry before his death. Plasencia’s involvement in the case has been particularly troubling, given his professional standing.
Reports reveal that Plasencia not only supplied Perry with the drug, but also allegedly coached Iwamasa on how to inject it into the actor.
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In a striking admission, Plasencia was accused of falsifying medical documents to conceal his actions. Prosecutors claim that after Perry’s death, Plasencia produced doctored records suggesting that the actor had been prescribed a reasonable dose of ketamine. However, the truth was much darker.
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, Plasencia’s actions were more than just a lapse in judgment—they were part of a calculated effort to profit from the actor’s addiction. The report details how Plasencia, after learning that Perry was interested in selling ketamine, reached out to Dr. Chavez to discuss the sale. Text messages exchanged between the two doctors reveal their apparent indifference to Perry’s well-being and a focus solely on financial gain.
One message from Plasencia read, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” while Chavez responded, “Let’s find out.”
Plasencia had previously been facing a variety of charges, including altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation.
Plasencia was accused of acquiring the ketamine for Perry and acting outside the scope of professional practice. Authorities say he not only distributed the drug that killed Perry, he also taught Iwamasa how to inject it into the actor. Iwamasa is accused of giving Perry the fatal dose.
After Perry’s death, Plasencia was accused of giving officials falsified documents showing a medical treatment plan for Perry that claimed he was being given a maximum dose of 60 milligrams over 24 hours. In fact, prosecutors say, Perry was injecting far higher doses.
Related: Matthew Perry’s Assistant Admits to Drugging Actor MULTIPLE Times
These damning details paint a picture of a medical professional who betrayed not only his Hippocratic oath, but also the trust of an individual who was struggling with addiction.
With Plasencia’s guilty plea expected to be entered next week, attention now shifts to the final person involved in this case: Jasveen Sangha. Known as “The Ketamine Queen” in North Hollywood, Sangha has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. She is accused of selling ketamine to Fleming, who then supplied it to Iwamasa. Whether or not she will eventually change her plea remains to be seen.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for support.
As we follow the developments in this case, we want to hear from you. Do you think the individuals involved in Matthew Perry’s death should face the maximum penalties? How should the law address the role of medical professionals in enabling addiction? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
No I don’t not believe they should get max. Because he was a junkie.