Who Is Dr. Salvador Plasencia, the “Dr. P” Charged in Matthew Perry’s Ketamine Overdose Death?

• Dr. Salvador Plasencia, known as “Dr. P,” is a Santa Monica-based physician charged in connection with actor Matthew Perry’s fatal ketamine overdose.
• He faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and falsifying medical records, as part of a broader investigation into Perry’s death.
• Plasencia allegedly supplied ketamine to Perry and instructed others on how to administer the drug, exploiting the actor’s known struggles with addiction.

Background on Dr. Salvador Plasencia

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, is a physician based in Santa Monica, California. He has recently gained notoriety due to his involvement in the legal proceedings surrounding the death of actor Matthew Perry, known for his role in the television series Friends.

Perry was found dead in October 2023, with the cause of death attributed to an overdose of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic that has gained popularity as a recreational drug.

Plasencia was arrested on August 15, 2024, as part of a federal investigation into Perry’s death. He is one of five individuals charged in connection with the case, which alleges that they exploited Perry’s struggles with addiction for financial gain.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has described the actions of the defendants as unethical and harmful, emphasizing the need for accountability in the healthcare profession.

Charges Against Dr. Plasencia

Dr. Plasencia faces an 18-count indictment that includes serious charges such as conspiracy to distribute ketamine, multiple counts of distributing the drug, and two counts of altering or falsifying documents related to the investigation. If convicted, he could face significant prison time, with potential sentences reaching up to 120 years.

According to the indictment, Plasencia was aware of Perry’s interest in ketamine and sought to profit from it.

He allegedly sent text messages discussing how much to charge Perry for the drug, with one message reportedly stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”

Prosecutors claim that Plasencia not only supplied ketamine to Perry but also instructed others on how to administer it, including injecting the actor without proper medical oversight.

Ethical Implications and Medical Responsibility

The case against Dr. Plasencia raises critical questions about medical ethics and the responsibilities of healthcare providers, particularly in relation to patients with a history of substance abuse.

Experts have noted that it is relatively rare for physicians to face criminal charges in overdose cases, highlighting the exceptional nature of this situation.

The allegations against Plasencia and his co-defendants have sparked discussions about the role of medical professionals in addressing addiction and the ethical obligations they have to their patients.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized that the defendants prioritized profit over patient welfare, stating, “They were aware that their actions were wrong.”