Doctor Involved in Matthew Perry's Death Pleads Guilty, Faces 40 Years in Prison

The Emmy-nominated television star, who had long struggled with depression, passed away more than a year ago. He was discovered unresponsive at his home.

According to NBC, Dr. Salvador Plascenia pleaded guilty on July 23, 2025, to charges relating to Matthew Perry's accidental overdose. He is one of the accused who played a role in supplying the Hollywood actor with copious amounts of ketamine.

Dr. Plascenia reportedly agreed in June 2025 that he would plead guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine. He attended a formal hearing on the issue in federal court and currently remains out on bond. His sentencing hearing is set for December 3, 2025.

Per agreement with prosecutors, Dr. Plascenia faces up to 40 years in prison and three years of supervised release. He is also expected to pay a fine of $2 million.

According to his attorneys, the doctor will voluntarily surrender his medical license as a means of "acknowledging his failure to protect Mr. Perry, a patient who was especially vulnerable due to addiction." They also revealed:

"Dr. Plasencia is profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry."

Perry was discovered unresponsive at his Los Angeles home in October 2023. His body was found in a hot tub on the property. At the time, an investigation into how he died was ongoing.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office later declared the "Friends" alum's death an accident from the acute effects of ketamine. Perry, who battled depression for several years, was 54 years old.