All about Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the doctor who sold Ketamine to Matthew Perry and called him a 'moron'

Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty Wednesday to illegally supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to his fatal overdose. The doctor is the fourth of five people charged in connection with Perry’s death to admit guilt.In a Los Angeles federal court, Plasencia acknowledged distributing ketamine without medical justification, including to Perry—referred to in court only as "victim MP." Prosecutors said he administered one injection himself, which caused Perry to freeze and experience a spike in blood pressure, yet left additional ketamine for the actor's assistant to use later.
Although prosecutors clarified that Plasencia did not provide the fatal dose, he admitted to supplying Perry with 20 vials of ketamine, ketamine lozenges, and syringes about a month before the actor’s death on October 28, 2023. He also recruited another physician, Dr. Mark Chavez, to help provide the drug.

Who is Dr. Salvador Plasencia
According to ABC7, Plasencia graduated from medical school at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2010. He has not been subject to any disciplinary actions.


The 43-year-old doctor was arrested and charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation into Perry's death.

Court records revealed that Plasencia once referred to Perry as a "moron" in a text message to Chavez, writing, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.” The pair allegedly charged Perry $4,500 and discussed making him a regular customer.

Plasencia, who had initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea as part of a deal in which prosecutors agreed to drop additional charges, including falsifying records. The four felony counts he admitted to carry a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. He remains free on bond until sentencing on December 3.

In a post-hearing statement, Plasencia's attorney said, “Dr. Plasencia is profoundly remorseful… He is fully accepting responsibility by pleading guilty to drug distribution,” adding that he intends to voluntarily surrender his medical license.

Plasencia is not the only one facing legal consequences. Perry’s personal assistant, friend, and another doctor have all pleaded guilty as part of the ongoing federal investigation. The final remaining defendant, Jasveen Sangha—allegedly known as the "Ketamine Queen"—has denied charges of supplying the lethal dose. Her trial is set for next month.

Perry, who had long battled addiction, was using ketamine as an off-label treatment for depression. When his regular doctor restricted access, he turned to others to obtain larger quantities—ultimately leading to a fatal overdose.