Five people, including Matthew Perry’s longtime personal assistant and an alleged drug dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen” of Los Angeles, have been charged in connection to the overdose death of the beloved “Friends” star. The charges were announced by prosecutors on Thursday.
Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant, Dr. Mark Chavez, and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, are all facing federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Erik Fleming, an alleged street dealer, and Jasveen Sangha, the “Ketamine Queen” of Los Angeles, were also charged in connection with Perry’s death.
The US Attorney, Martin Estrada, stated in a press conference that these defendants took advantage of Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. He emphasized that they knew their actions were wrong.
Perry tragically passed away on October 28, 2023, due to a ketamine overdose. The injections were administered by Iwamasa, according to prosecutors. The actor was found in a face-down position in the hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home by his assistant.
The autopsy report revealed that Perry had an unusually high level of ketamine in his bloodstream at the time of his death, nearly three times the normal amount. Although he was seeking treatment for his mental health struggles and undergoing ketamine therapy for depression, the drug found in his system could not have come from his treatment. The coroner explained that ketamine’s half-life is only three to four hours.
Investigations revealed that when Perry’s physicians refused to increase his ketamine injections, he turned to Dr. Plasencia for help. Plasencia then sought assistance from Dr. Chavez to secure the drugs for their high-profile client.
Between September and his death in October, Plasencia and Chavez allegedly supplied Perry with approximately 20 vials of ketamine, accepting around $55,000 in cash as payment. Text messages from Plasencia to Chavez in the indictment revealed discussions about the price Perry would pay for the drug. Plasencia also expressed a desire to become Perry’s primary supplier.
Iwamasa, despite lacking medical training, coordinated with Perry’s suppliers using encrypted messaging apps and coded language. The indictment revealed that ketamine was referred to as “Dr. Pepper,” “cans,” and “bots.” The assistant also injected Perry with the drug under Plasencia’s instructions.
Perry’s addiction worsened over time, and he began acquiring ketamine through street dealer Eric Fleming, who sourced the drug from Sangha, the “Ketamine Queen.” Fleming informed Iwamasa that Sangha only sold to high-end clients and celebrities. Authorities believe that Sangha provided Perry with his final dose of ketamine, resulting in his untimely death.
Sangha was previously arrested in connection with another federal drug case, but was released on bond. She was also charged in the death of Cody McLaury, who passed away in 2019 as a result of ketamine obtained from her.
Three of the defendants charged in Perry’s death have pleaded guilty to the charges. Iwamasa and Chavez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death and face sentencing, with each defendant potentially serving up to 15 and 10 years, respectively. Fleming pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death, with a potential sentence of 25 years.
Perry’s family expressed their heartbreak over his sudden death and their hope for justice to be served.
