Five individuals have been charged in connection with the drug-related death of Matthew Perry last year, including two doctors and the actor's personal assistant, according to police.
The investigation, which began in May, revealed a "broad underground network" of drug dealers distributing large amounts of ketamine.
Perry, 54, passed away at his Los Angeles home in October. An autopsy revealed a high concentration of ketamine in his system, which was determined to be the cause of death due to the drug's acute effects.
US Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants exploited Perry's addiction for their own gain, despite knowing the dangers their actions posed. Three of the accused, including Perry's assistant, have already pleaded guilty to drug charges, while two others—a doctor and a woman known as "The Ketamine Queen"—were arrested on Thursday.
Ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, is used to treat depression, anxiety, and pain. Following Perry's death, it was reported that he was receiving ketamine infusion therapy. However, his last treatment had occurred more than a week prior to his death, and the medical examiner noted that the levels of ketamine in his body were consistent with those used in general anesthesia, not from the infusion therapy.
The indictment describes a complex drug procurement scheme leading up to Perry's death. Prosecutors claim that Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, collaborated with two doctors to supply him with over $50,000 worth of ketamine in the weeks before his death.
They allege that those involved profited from Perry’s known substance abuse issues. One of the doctors, Salvador Plasencia, allegedly made derogatory remarks about Perry and provided him with ketamine without legitimate medical reasons. Plasencia is also accused of instructing Iwamasa on how to administer ketamine improperly and without appropriate oversight.
In the four days leading up to Perry’s death, Iwamasa reportedly administered at least 27 ketamine injections. Despite a previous overdose that caused Perry to "freeze up," Plasencia left additional ketamine with Perry and Iwamasa.
Other defendants include Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," who allegedly supplied the drug to Plasencia with the help of Erik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez. Chavez, Fleming, and Iwamasa have pleaded guilty, while Sangha and Plasencia entered not guilty pleas during their initial court appearances. Trial dates for both are tentatively set for October, with Plasencia released on a $100,000 bond and Sangha held without bond.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants attempted to conceal their actions after Perry's death, with Sangha instructing others to delete messages and Plasencia falsifying medical records. Perry’s death was ruled accidental, with drowning listed as a contributing factor along with coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid addiction.
Perry, known for his role on "Friends," struggled with addiction to painkillers and alcohol throughout his career. He discussed his battle with substance abuse in his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," and revealed that he could not remember three years of filming due to his addiction. Despite periods of sobriety, he admitted to several relapses.
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