Doctor Who Supplied Matthew Perry With Ketamine Faces 40 Years Behind Bars For ‘Friends' Star's Death
Charged in Perry's overdose in late October 2023, Dr. Salvador Plasencia has made a plea deal with the Department of Justice. As the charges of four counts of distribution of ketamine stand right now, the Santa Monica physician is facing a maximum sentence of 40 years behind bars. His trial was on the court calendar to start in August in Los Angeles, but with the deal announced Monday the trial is moot as sentencing looms.
More from Deadline
Matthew Perry Dies: 'Friends' Actor Was 54
Matthew Perry Death: Ketamine Queen & Drug Dealing Doctor Trial Set For 2025, Both Face Decades In Prison For Role In 'Friends' Star's Demise
Juror Tossed Out Of Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial For Perceived "Lying"; Judge Admonishes Defense For Claiming Racial Bias
Charging longtime addict Perry premium prices for the ketamine, L.A.-based Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez of San Diego clearly felt they had lucked into a gold mine with the actor and his desire for the drug. 'I wonder how much this moron will pay,' Plasencia ruthlessly texted Chavez at one point during their dealings with Perry.
Perry's died October 28, 2023 at the age of 54. His body was discovered in a hot tub at his home.
In December of that same year, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office declared that Perry, who had a public battle with drugs and booze, died from the 'acute effects of ketamine.' An autopsy report also cited drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine — a drug used to treat opioid use disorder — as contributing to his death. In May 2024, an LAPD spokesperson told Deadline that an open investigation into Perry's death was underway with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.
We have seen the result of that probe in recent months and today.
'At the earliest opportunity requested by the USAO and provided by the Court, appear and plead guilty to Counts Six, Eight, Nine, and Ten of the first superseding indictment in United States v. Salvador Plasencia, which each charge defendant with distribution of ketamine,' the U.S. Attorney's office for the Central District of California said in a June 13 plea agreement made public Monday. Part of the agreement sees the feds promising to 'recommend a two-level reduction in the applicable Sentencing Guidelines offense level' to the judge. That could help bring Plasencia's sentence down to just a few years, maybe.
The plea deal is signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Yanniello, the defendant himself and Plasencia's lawyer Debra S. White. In an accompanying statement, the DOJ made sure to make clear that Plasencia has 'NOT YET PLEADED GUILTY (caps theirs).' The feds added: 'We expect he will plead guilty in the coming weeks. We will have no further comment.'
Prosecutors do say in the plea deal that Plasencia did not provide Perry with the drugs that would kill him in his Pacific Palisades almost two years ago.
Chavez and Perry's personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa previously entered guilty pleas and are set for sentencing in September and November, respectively. Former treatment center director Erik Fleming, who was involved in the fatal dose, entered a guilty plea in August to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Spotlighted as the individual who got Perry the ketamine that killed him, Jasveen Sangha, aka the 'Ketamine Queen,' is fighting charges of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and more. Her trial is set to start later this summer.
Best of Deadline
'Bachelor in Paradise' Cast Announcement: See Who Is Headed To The Beach For Season 10
2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Christina Haack 'won't rush into marriage with Christopher Larocca'
Christina Haack is "not wanting to rush into anything" with Christopher Larocca. The 42-year-old TV star finalised her divorce from Josh Hall earlier this year, and according to Heather Rae El Moussa, she isn't looking to rush anything with her boyfriend. Asked about the possibility of them tying the knot, Heather told E! News: "If so, it will be some time. She's not wanting to rush into anything." Despite this, Heather insists that she's a big fan of their romance, describing Christina and Christopher as a "cute" couple. The model said: "They're just really cute together. They've been together for quite a while, and I've really enjoyed every time I've spent time with him. "It's the first guy she's been together with that I've really liked." In June, meanwhile, Christina admitted that her divorce settlement was "not great". The TV star split from Josh, her third husband, in 2024, and the former couple confirmed in May they had agreed the terms of their split after undergoing mediation. Speaking on SiriusXM's Jeff Lewis Live, she said: "I signed something. There's like a process after the process. It was resolved in mediation after I think 12 hours. "I heard a saying once, like, if you both think you're screwed, then whatever you want. I don't know how it goes. "Look, it's not great, but I guess it's done." The HGTV star praised her legal team for handling her separation when news of the agreement was announced. Her representative told People magazine: "Christina is pleased to confirm that a settlement has been reached through mediation. She extends her sincere appreciation to her attorney, Laura Wasser, and her team for their professional guidance and support throughout the process." Christina echoed the praise on her Instagram account. She wrote: "You are all a true class act. I loved watching you in action and how you handle everything and everyone with class and grace. I appreciate you all beyond words. I have learned so much under your guidance. "And I'm grateful to have this behind me. I can't wait to move on with my life and focus on what's ahead and all my blessings."
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
John Stamos jumps into Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl in last-minute casting change
John Stamos has joined the starry cast of the Hollywood Bowl's Jesus Christ Superstar concert, replacing Josh Gad after he was forced to withdraw from the first performances. The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical is set to be performed at the iconic Los Angeles venue this weekend, with a cast led by Wicked's Cynthia Erivo as Jesus and singer Adam Lambert as Judas. The show opened Friday and runs until Sunday. Stamos shared the news Friday on his Instagram, just one day after Gad announced he had contracted Covid-19 and would need to step away from his role as King Herod. 'This is an honor. A dream. And also a little insane because… I just stepped off a plane from @thebeachboys tour in Spain and have less than 24 hours to pull this off,' the Full House star wrote in part. 'Wish me luck. And let's rock the Bowl.' Gad had been slated to play King Herod, but shared his Covid-19 diagnosis Thursday along with the news that he would no longer be able to perform. 'Rarely have I had the opportunity to witness up close such profound brilliance and artistry," he wrote on Instagram. 'I am truly bummed that I will not be able to perform this evening with this cast. But I am so excited for all of you to witness firsthand what I have been fortunate and honored enough to experience over the past three weeks." However, by Friday the Frozen star had tested negative. Gad, who credited Paxlovid with helping his symptoms subside, then confirmed Saturday that he would return to the production Sunday. Stamos will perform Saturday night. Jesus Christ Superstar was first released as a concept album in 1970 and premiered on Broadway in 1971. It has been revived several times since. Joining Stamos, Gad, Erivo, and Lambert in the cast are Hamilton star Phillipa Soo as Mary Magdalene, Milo Manheim as Peter, and Raúl Esparza as Pontius Pilate, along with a supporting cast and ensemble filled with fellow Broadway performers. Fans have raved about the concert on social media, with many calling Erivo's performance as Jesus a 'top theater moment.' 'If you're watching Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend, brace yourself for a truly unforgettable performance,' entertainment reporter Ashley Lee wrote on X. 'Most beautiful production i have EVER been to. jesus christ superstar at the hollywood bowl you will live forever in my heart !!!!' someone else wrote. 'Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl was nothing short of spectacular. Adam Lambert was PERFECT. Cynthia Erivo's Gethsemane was one of the best live performances I've ever seen. If there's a single ticket left - Go!' another shared. The Hollywood Bowl is known to produce star-studded concert versions of hit Broadway shows. In recent years, the venue has produced Kinky Boots, Les Misérables, Rent, Guys and Dolls, Into the Woods, and Hairspray, among others.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
High ranking Democrat calls for release of Epstein files after Maxwell moved to new prison
The transfer of convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum security prison sent shockwaves around the U.S. as it came just a week after her meetings with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) joins Erielle Reshef to share his perspective on the move and explain why he and other Democrats filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for access to ICE detention facilities.
