Doctor accused of supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry returns to practice
Accused doctor resumes practice amid ketamine distribution charges related to Perry's death
A doctor accused of unlawfully supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry, the Friends star, is reportedly returning to his medical practice this week. Five arrests were made on August 15 as part of a drug investigation into Perry’s death. Authorities identified a widespread criminal network exploiting the actor by selling him ketamine.
Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. Prosecutors allege this led to an uncontrollable addiction, causing him to obtain the drug illegally. Among those arrested was Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a licensed medical doctor accused of providing Perry with approximately 20 vials of ketamine in his final weeks. Prosecutors claim Plasencia administered some injections himself and taught Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to do the same.
Authorities estimate Iwamasa used Perry’s money to pay Plasencia $55,000 for ketamine between September 20, 2023, and October 28, 2023, the day of Perry’s death. Plasencia’s attorney confirmed the doctor plans to resume work at an urgent care clinic. The attorney, Stefan Sacks, did not specify when Plasencia would return. Plasencia pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, with his bond set at $100,000.
🇺🇸 "CREEPY" DOCTOR CHARGED IN MATTHEW PERRY'S DEATH!
A former patient of Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who was recently charged in connection with Matthew Perry's death, described him as giving her "the creeps."
Arriving at the appointment, she was greeted by an odd-looking… pic.twitter.com/aW5HbgKBwP
— Bhwani Shankar (@BhwaniShankar1) August 17, 2024
A judge ruled that Plasencia must display a sign at his clinic’s entrance detailing his pending court case. Patients must also sign a form acknowledging the allegations and consenting to treatment at every visit.
Iwamasa’s plea agreement disclosed that after a scheduled ketamine infusion on October 12, 2023, he contacted Plasencia for more ketamine for Perry. Plasencia agreed and administered a large dose of ketamine at Perry’s home later that day.
He was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28. Authorities discovered traces of ketamine in his system, but found no signs of foul play, ruling his death an accidental overdose.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CNN reports that Matthew Perry, best known for his role in “Friends,” has opened up about his struggles with addiction, including his experience with a ketamine doctor, Salvador Plasencia, who is now under investigation.(read more)
- 10News reports that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, charged in Matthew Perry’s death, plans to return to his medical practice at Malibu Canyon Urgent Care.(read more)
- NBC News reports that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, charged in Matthew Perry’s death, plans to return to medical practice with the help of his lawyers.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was the doctor accused of in relation to Matthew Perry?
Dr. Salvador Plasencia was accused of illegally supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry.
Why was Matthew Perry using ketamine?
He was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to treat depression and anxiety.
How much money did Perry’s assistant allegedly use to pay for ketamine?
His assistant allegedly used $55,000 to pay for ketamine.
What conditions were set for Dr. Plasencia’s return to medical practice?
He must display a sign detailing his pending court case and have patients sign a consent form.
What was the cause of Matthew Perry’s death?
His death was ruled an accidental overdose with traces of ketamine found in his system.
