In the aftermath of Matthew Perry’s tragic death last year, five individuals, including two doctors and the actor’s personal assistant, have been charged for their involvement in his drug-related demise. The investigation, initiated in May, revealed a vast underground network of drug suppliers responsible for distributing ketamine, a powerful anesthetic.
Perry, known for his role on the popular television show Friends, was found dead at his Los Angeles home in October, and a post-mortem examination revealed lethal levels of ketamine in his blood. The U.S. Attorney’s office emphasized the recklessness of the defendants, accusing them of exploiting Perry’s addiction for financial gain despite the high risks involved. Among those charged, three have already pleaded guilty, while the other two face ongoing legal proceedings.
One of the most startling revelations from the investigation was that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, a treatment for depression, anxiety, and pain. However, his last session had taken place more than a week before his death, and the medical examiner concluded that the ketamine in his system at the time of his passing was not from the therapy.
The concentration of the drug found in his body was at levels typically used for general anesthesia, raising suspicions about how he obtained and used the substance. This led authorities to delve into the intricate web of drug suppliers who played a role in his final days, particularly focusing on the contributions of his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez.
The indictment detailed how Iwamasa, working closely with the doctors, procured over $50,000 worth of ketamine for Perry in the weeks leading up to his death. Not only did Plasencia allegedly provide ketamine without a legitimate medical purpose, but he also reportedly instructed Iwamasa on administering the drug to Perry, bypassing safety protocols.
The indictment further alleged that Perry had been injected with ketamine at least 27 times in the four days before his death, despite earlier warnings after a significant dose caused him to freeze up. Yet, despite this concerning incident, Plasencia continued to leave vials of ketamine with Perry and his assistant, illustrating the careless and dangerous handling of the situation.
In addition to the charges against Perry’s assistant and doctors, Jasveen Sangha, nicknamed the “Ketamine Queen,” was implicated for supplying the drug to Plasencia through other co-defendants, Erik Fleming and Mark Chavez. Chavez, Fleming, and Iwamasa have all pleaded guilty, while Sangha and Plasencia maintain their innocence, pleading not guilty during their court appearances.
With trial dates tentatively set for October, the legal proceedings continue as the U.S. Department of Justice pursues the case against them. Sangha remains in custody without bond, while Plasencia was released on a $100,000 bond. Prosecutors also accused the defendants of attempting to cover their tracks, with Sangha allegedly instructing others to delete messages and Plasencia falsifying medical records.
Ultimately, Matthew Perry’s death was officially ruled an accident, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. His untimely death underscored his longstanding struggle with addiction, which he had openly discussed in his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Perry’s battle with addiction dated back to his years on Friends, where he admitted to periods of heavy substance abuse that affected his memory and work. Although he had made strides toward sobriety, Perry acknowledged in his memoir that his journey had been fraught with setbacks, reminding the public of the complexities of addiction and the devastating consequences it can have.
