Doctor charged in Matthew Perry death case is returning to see patients this week despite allegations
Topics: Matthew Perry
Yasmeen Hamadeh
Featured Image Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images / Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Topics: Matthew Perry
A doctor who was accused of illegally supplying ketamine to Friends star Matthew Perry is reportedly returning to his medical practice as soon as this week.
On August 15, five arrests were made as part of a drug investigation into Perry's death.
Authorities claimed their investigation revealed a 'broad underground criminal network' that 'took advantage' of the actor by selling him ketamine.
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At the time, Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to treat depression and anxiety. However, prosecutors said this allegedly led to an 'out-of-control' addiction that resulted in the actor obtaining the drug through illegal means.
One of the suspects arrested was Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a licensed medical doctor who was accused of distributing approximately 20 vials of ketamine to Perry in his last few weeks.
Prosecutors allege that Plasencia provided ketamine to the actor and his live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, administering some of the injections himself while also teaching Iwamasa how to do them.
Authorities estimate that Iwamasa used Perry's money to pay Plasencia $55,000 for ketamine between September 20, 2023 and October 28, 2023, the day Perry passed away.
Following reports that Plasencia would be returning to work, his attorney has since confirmed that the doctor is in fact planning to resume his medical practice again at an urgent care clinic.
Attorney Stefan Sacks did not provide further detail on when Plasencia would be returning, NBC News reports.
However, he pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and his bond was set at $100,000.
During his arraignment, a judge ruled that Plasencia must display a sign at the front door of his clinic that details his pending court case to inform potentially unbeknownst patients.
Moreover, his patients are required to sign a form that states they understand the allegations against Plasencia and give him consent for their treatment upon every visit.
Perry's death case has revealed a slew of shocking information leading up to his passing.
Iwamasa's plea agreement revealed that after a scheduled ketamine infusion on October 12, 2023, he reached out to Plasencia asking for more ketamine for Perry.
Plasencia agreed and arrived at Perry's home later that day where he reportedly administered a 'large dose of ketamine'.
The actor was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on Oct. 28. At the time of his death, traces of ketamine were found in his system, but with no signs of foul play, authorities ruled it as an accidental overdose.