A California doctor, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, accused of providing ketamine to “Friends” star Matthew Perry in the period leading up to the actor’s death by overdose, has agreed to plead guilty, according to federal prosecutors.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia will admit guilt to four counts of distributing ketamine,according to a statement released on Monday by federal prosecutors. The plea carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and the doctor is expected to enter his plea in the coming weeks.

Matthew Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” was discovered deceased in his hot tub in Los Angeles in October 2023. He was 54 years old. Despite his openness about his battles with depression and addiction, his death came as a shock to fans worldwide.

According to text messages shared with prosecutors from Dr.Mark Chavez, who has already pleaded guilty in the case, Dr.Plasencia referred to Perry as a “moron” and questioned how much he would be willing to pay for the drugs.

According to documents filed for the plea agreement, Dr. Plasencia administered ketamine to Perry at his residence and in the parking area of the Long Beach Aquarium. The plea deal also states that Dr. Plasencia instructed Perry’s assistant, who is also a defendant, on how to administer the drug and would sell extra vials for them to keep at home.

The doctor is one of five individuals charged in what prosecutors describe as an underground network of dealers and medical professionals who supplied Perry with ketamine. The actor was reportedly taking legal, prescribed amounts of the drug to treat his depression but sought more then what was prescribed.

The plea agreement indicates that between September 30, 2023, and October 12, 2023, Dr. Plasencia sold twenty 5ml (100mg/ml) vials of ketamine, less than a full package of ketamine lozenges, and syringes to Perry and his assistant.

Attorneys for Dr.Plasencia have not yet issued a statement.

“Dr. Plasencia called Perry a ‘moron’ and wondered how much he’d be willing to pay for the drugs.”

Understanding Ketamine and its Use

Ketamine is a medication primarily used for anesthesia, but it also has applications in treating depression and chronic pain. However, its misuse can lead to serious health risks. The case involving Matthew Perry highlights the dangers of obtaining prescription drugs outside of legitimate medical channels.