A medical professional who faced accusations of unlawfully supplying ketamine to Friends star Matthew Perry is reportedly set to resume his practice this week.
On August 15, as part of a drug-related inquiry into Perry’s demise, five individuals were apprehended.
Investigators stated their findings pointed to a ‘broad underground criminal network’ that exploited the actor by selling him ketamine.
During this period, Perry was receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. However, prosecutors contended that this therapy spiraled into an ‘out-of-control’ addiction, leading him to acquire the drug unlawfully.
Among those detained was Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a licensed doctor accused of distributing around 20 vials of ketamine to Perry in his final weeks.
Prosecutors claimed that Plasencia supplied ketamine to both Perry and his live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, even administering some injections personally and instructing Iwamasa on how to administer them.
Authorities estimate that Iwamasa used Perry’s finances to compensate Plasencia $55,000 for ketamine between September 20, 2023, and October 28, 2023, the day Perry died.
Following news that Plasencia might return to work, his lawyer has confirmed that the doctor is indeed planning to continue his medical practice at an urgent care clinic.
Attorney Stefan Sacks did not specify the exact date of Plasencia’s return, as reported by NBC News.
Nevertheless, Plasencia entered a not guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, and his bail was set at $100,000.
During his arraignment, the judge mandated that Plasencia must post a notice at his clinic’s entrance, detailing his pending legal issues to inform unaware patients.
Additionally, patients are required to sign a document acknowledging the allegations against Plasencia and consenting to their treatment during each visit.
The circumstances surrounding Perry’s death have brought to light numerous startling details about his final days.
According to Iwamasa’s plea deal, following a ketamine infusion on October 12, 2023, he contacted Plasencia for additional ketamine for Perry.
Plasencia consented and visited Perry’s residence later that day, allegedly administering a ‘large dose of ketamine’.
Perry was discovered deceased in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28. Ketamine traces were found in his system, but with no evidence of foul play, authorities deemed it an accidental overdose.