Los angeles: A US-based doctor has pleaded guilty to the illegal distribution of ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the days leading up to his tragic overdose in 2023, as announced by prosecutors. Doctor Salvador Plasencia entered his guilty plea in front of Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett at a Los Angeles federal court, part of a plea deal with authorities.

According to Anadolu Agency, Plasencia initially maintained a not guilty plea but reached a plea agreement before his trial, which was scheduled for August. The agreement involved Plasencia admitting guilt to four counts of illegal ketamine distribution, while prosecutors consented to drop three additional distribution charges and two falsification of records counts.

After the court proceedings, Plasencia's lawyer, Debra White, released a statement conveying his deep regret and confirming that he would cease his medical practice. 'Dr. Plasencia is profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry,' White stated.

Matthew Perry, famous for his role as Chandler Bing on the TV series Friends, died on October 28, 2023. He was discovered in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades area. An autopsy report issued in December identified the 'acute effects' of ketamine as the main cause of Perry's death, while also noting other contributing factors.

While Perry was legally prescribed ketamine for depression, he was subject to dosage restrictions and reportedly sought the drug from unauthorized sources. Although prosecutors confirmed that Plasencia did not supply the lethal dose, he confessed in court to providing Perry with ketamine in the month prior to his death, including 20 vials amounting to 100 milligrams.

In a related case, another doctor, Mark Chavez, alleged that Plasencia recruited him to supply ketamine to Perry, reportedly texting, 'I wonder how much this moron will pay.' Prosecutors indicated that this transaction resulted in a payment of $4,500.