In a stunning dramatic twist that feels ripped from a Hollywood crime thriller, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the California physician at the center of the scandal surrounding Friends star Matthew Perry’s tragic death, has officially pleaded guilty to illegally distributing ketamine—including in the fatal weeks before Perry’s tragic overdose.

During a tense hearing in federal court today, Dr. Plasencia admitted guilt on four counts of distributing ketamine to Perry, a man he chillingly referred to as a “moron” in text messages leaked during the investigation . Now facing a maximum of 40 years in prison, the once-respected doctor stunned observers with his callous messages and profit-driven motives.

Fans and critics are now gasping: What really drove a physician to supply a star battling addiction—and mock him behind the scenes?

 “I Wonder How Much This Moron Will Pay” — Doctor’s Chilling Messages Revealed

Court documents revealed dark and calculating text chats between Dr. Plasencia and co-defendant Dr. Mark Chavez, including lines like:

“I wonder how much this moron will pay” — showing more interest in Perry’s wallet than his wellbeing .

Prosecutors say Plasencia not only administered ketamine to Perry himself but also trained his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, on proper dosages and even dropped opioids off at Perry’s home . Perry, battling depression and addiction, paid cash and big money for these illicit treatments.

 Plea Deal Reveals Unregulated ‘At-Home Ketamine’ Underground

During his hearing, under somber gavel-bangs, Plasencia said “Guilty” to each count of distribution . In return, prosecutors dropped additional counts and falsifying records charges—securing the plea without revealing every detail .

He also pledged to voluntarily surrender his fragile medical license within 45 days . The doctor’s attorney expressed remorse, citing his client’s regret and hope his actions would spark regulation of the booming “at-home ketamine” market .

But with victims like Perry paying high prices—both financially and existentially—many are demanding justice and stricter oversight.

 Four Others Already Pleaded Guilty — One Still Fighting Trial

This marks the fourth guilty plea in the case. Co-defendants Kenneth Iwamasa, Dr. Mark Chavez, and Erik Fleming have already admitted to their roles. Only Jasveen Sangha—dubbed the “Ketamine Queen”—has pleaded not guilty and is set for trial this August .

Perry’s shocking fall in his hot tub in October 2023 revealed the lethal effects of acute ketamine use, drowning, and other complicating medical factors . Perry’s willingness to pursue off-label treatments—some legal, others not—exposed an underworld of celebrity medical care rife with ethical pitfalls.

 Public Outcry: “A Doctor-Turned-Drug Dealer?”

Social media erupted within minutes of the plea. Fans responded with rage:

“Disgusting. A doctor is supposed to heal—this is drug-peddling in a white coat.”

Celebrities mourned too. One commented:

“He helped save many with his humor; we must help save others from this dark side.”

Mental health advocates joined the chorus, calling for federal reform of how controlled substances are dispensed off-site, particularly ketamine—a drug increasingly used experimentally for depression and PTSD.

 What’s At Stake—And What Comes Next?

Dr. Plasencia faces a stark sentencing this December 3 hearing. Though prosecutors warn he could receive up to 40 years, legal analysts suggest a sentence much shorter—between 5–10 years—due to plea concessions and lack of violent malice .

In the meantime:

He’ll remain free on bond.
He’ll surrender his license and stop prescribing drugs .
The trial of the remaining co-defendant, Sangha, begins August 2025, which may reveal further explosive details.

 Why This Case Matters

Matthew Perry’s death ignited global conversation. He was transparent in his memoir and interviews about battling addiction and mental illness . Yet his private dependence on unregulated ketamine—driven by doctors who placed profits above ethics—underscores systemic failures in medical oversight.

As ketamine clinics proliferate for mental health, so does concern about unchecked prescription practices, non-medical settings, and lack of clear standards.

Dr. Plasencia’s plea intentionally flags a warning sign. It signals potential oversight failures that may put vulnerable patients—particularly high-profile figures—at risk.

 Final Word: A Party-End, A Warning Begun

In the end, it wasn’t just a doctor behind bars—it was a story of privilege, desperation, and moral collapse.

Matthew Perry’s legacy was one of humor and advocacy; this tragedy reminds us that even heroes are human—and sometimes broken. As Dr. Plasencia faces the consequences, the world watches, debates, and demands reform.

Because beyond the headlines and Hollywood sadness, this is about ethics, oversight, and the future of mental health care.

—

Want updates on the trial, the Ketamine Queen’s fate, or sentencing outcomes? Stay tuned.