Five charged over Matthew Perry’s ketamine-related death
Doctors and assistant among five charged in Perry's ketamine death
Federal officials in Los Angeles announced on Thursday that five individuals have been charged in connection with the ketamine-related death of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry. Three of the accused, including a doctor and Perry’s assistant, have entered plea agreements for federal drug charges. Two others, including a second doctor and a woman dubbed “The Ketamine Queen,” were arrested on Thursday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that an extensive investigation following Perry’s death in October 2023 exposed a vast underground network that distributed substantial amounts of ketamine to Perry and others. The primary defendants are Jasveen Sangha, 41, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, identified as “Dr. P,” according to the DOJ.
Three others charged include Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, who admitted selling ketamine to Plasencia; Eric Fleming, 54, who confessed to distributing the ketamine that led to Perry’s death; and Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, 59, who admitted administering the ketamine on the day Perry died. Estrada highlighted that the defendants exploited Perry’s addiction issues for financial gain, fully aware of the risks involved.
#UPDATE : Five arrests made in death of actor Matthew Perry, California police say
Personal assistant and two doctors among those indicted after Friends star died last year of ‘acute effects of ketamine’#MatthewPerry #California #Californiapolice pic.twitter.com/T9wy0LxvWK
— upuknews (@upuknews1) August 15, 2024
In the fall of 2023, Perry, who had a history of addiction, relapsed. Plasencia collaborated with Chavez to acquire ketamine and with Iwamasa to distribute it to Perry. Over two months, they supplied Perry with approximately 20 vials of ketamine for $55,000.
Plasencia was motivated by profit, allegedly expressing in text messages his willingness to exploit Perry’s addiction. The vials, costing the doctors $12, were sold to Perry for $2,000 each.
Despite being aware of the dangers, Plasencia continued supplying ketamine to Perry, even informing another patient about Perry’s deteriorating condition due to addiction.
During his arraignment on Thursday, Plasencia pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors argued he should not be allowed to run a clinic or treat patients, describing him as a “street-corner drug dealer.” His attorney, Stefan Sacks, noted that Plasencia had already surrendered his Drug Enforcement Administration licence. The judge set his release on a $100,000 bond with conditions, including the surrender of his passport and posting a notice about the federal case at his clinic.
Sangha, accused of selling 50 vials of ketamine to Perry over two weeks, faces similar charges. She was previously aware of ketamine’s dangers, having sold the drug to someone who died from an overdose in 2019. Sangha pleaded not guilty and was remanded to U.S. Marshal custody after her bond was revoked due to concerns about her commitment to drug dealing and potential flight risk.
Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. An autopsy confirmed he died from acute ketamine effects. Following his death, some co-conspirators attempted to distance themselves. Sangha allegedly instructed Fleming to delete their messages. Plasencia provided falsified medical records to influence the investigation.
The indictment alleges the use of encrypted messaging and coded language to distribute ketamine, with Plasencia and Sangha as the initial suppliers. After Perry found the drugs too expensive, he switched to Sangha as a new source. A search of Sangha’s home revealed a significant quantity of drugs and paraphernalia.
An 18-count indictment charges Plasencia and Sangha with conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Plasencia faces additional charges related to altering documents. If convicted, Plasencia could face up to 120 years in federal prison, while Sangha faces a potential life sentence.
Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, facing up to 10 years in prison. Fleming and Iwamasa have signed plea agreements, facing 25 and 15 years, respectively. Fleming admitted to distributing the ketamine that killed Perry, while Iwamasa admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine, including on the day of his death.
Perry’s autopsy revealed high levels of ketamine in his blood. He likely lost consciousness and drowned. Other factors, such as coronary artery disease, contributed to his death. The manner of death was ruled an accident.
Multiple agencies, including the DEA, LAPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, have been involved in the investigation. Perry was known for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” which aired from 1994 to 2004. His family expressed their heartbreak and gratitude for the serious handling of his case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Matthew Perry?
Matthew Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine on October 28, 2023.
Who has been charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death?
Five people, including two doctors, Perry’s assistant, and two drug distributors, have been charged.
What role did Jasveen Sangha play in Matthew Perry’s death?
Jasveen Sangha, known as ‘The Ketamine Queen,’ is accused of selling Perry the ketamine that killed him.
How did Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, contribute to his death?
Kenneth Iwamasa admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine on the day he died.
What did the investigation reveal about the ketamine distribution network?
The investigation revealed a broad, underground network distributing large quantities of ketamine to Perry and others.
