Five Charged in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Death

Photo : AFP

Five individuals have been charged in connection with the drug-related death of actor Matthew Perry, according to police. The charges, filed as a result of an investigation that began in May, involve two doctors, a personal assistant, and others accused of operating a wide-reaching criminal network involved in distributing large amounts of ketamine.

Perry, aged 54, died at his Los Angeles home in October 2023. A post-mortem examination revealed a high concentration of ketamine in his bloodstream, which the medical examiner determined contributed to his death. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated, "These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry's addiction issues to enrich themselves," emphasizing that they were aware of the risks their actions posed to Perry’s life.

Three of the defendants, including Perry's personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, have already entered guilty pleas to drug-related charges. On Thursday, two additional suspects—a doctor and a woman known as "The Ketamine Queen"—were arrested. Ketamine, a potent anesthetic, is sometimes used to treat conditions like depression and anxiety, but Perry’s last known ketamine treatment had been over a week before his death. The medical examiner found the levels of ketamine in Perry’s system to be consistent with those used during general anesthesia, not from therapeutic use.

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The indictment, filed in federal court, outlines an intricate scheme where Perry’s assistant, Iwamasa, along with two doctors, allegedly facilitated the delivery of over $50,000 worth of ketamine to the actor in the weeks leading up to his death. One of the doctors, Salvador Plasencia, allegedly made a text message remarking, "I wonder how much this moron will pay," reflecting a callous disregard for Perry’s well-being. Plasencia, aged 42, is accused of administering ketamine outside the standard medical practices and instructing Iwamasa on improper injection techniques without safety measures.

In the days before Perry's death, Iwamasa reportedly administered at least 27 ketamine injections. Despite a prior incident where a large dose of the drug caused Perry to "freeze up," Plasencia allegedly left additional vials of ketamine with Perry and Iwamasa.

Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the "Ketamine Queen," is also charged for her role in supplying the drug to Plasencia with the help of Erik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez. Sangha and Plasencia made their initial court appearances on Thursday, with Sangha being held without bond and Plasencia’s bond set at $100,000. Both are scheduled for tentative trial dates in October.

The indictment alleges that the defendants attempted to cover up their actions after Perry’s death. Sangha reportedly instructed another suspect to "delete all our messages," while Plasencia is accused of falsifying medical records.

Perry's death was ruled an accident, with drowning cited as a contributing factor alongside coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder. Perry had a long history of addiction issues, which he openly discussed in his memoir, *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing*. Despite periods of sobriety, he had previously struggled with substance abuse, which he detailed as having affected his time on the popular TV show *Friends*.

Aug. 16, 2024 11:53 a.m. 570

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