Doctor Pleads Guilty to Supplying Ketamine to Matthew Perry: What it Means for the Case

Dr. Salvador Plasencia is facing serious charges related to the late actor Matthew Perry’s death. The doctor has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine, a powerful anesthetic. This could lead to a maximum sentence of 40 years. His plea is expected in the upcoming weeks.

Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show Friends, was found dead on October 28, 2023. An autopsy revealed that ketamine was the primary cause of his death. Perry had been using the drug as part of a legal treatment for depression, a method that is becoming more popular recently. However, he sought more of it than his regular doctor was willing to provide.

About a month before his death, Perry began seeing Plasencia, who allegedly collaborated with another doctor to obtain extra ketamine. Court documents suggest that Plasencia and this other doctor exchanged several vials of the drug. Their communications hint at a troubling dynamic, with Plasencia joking about the fees for supplying Perry.

While Plasencia is accused of providing much of the ketamine in Perry’s final weeks, another suspect, Jasmine Sangha, allegedly supplied the fatal dose. Unlike others involved, Sangha has pleaded not guilty and plans to go to trial soon.

Perry’s struggles with addiction stretched back years, notably during his time on Friends. He rose to fame alongside co-stars like Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox, but battled personal demons in the spotlight.

The case reflects a growing concern around prescription drugs, particularly for mental health. Experts worry that the off-label use of treatments like ketamine may lead to misuse, especially for those in vulnerable situations. According to recent studies, over 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. are reportedly using some form of mental health treatment, making monitoring and regulation crucial.

For more detail on the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death, you can explore this report here.

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