Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry, according to the US Attorney’s Office. The charges were announced in a news conference in Los Angeles, following an investigation that revealed an underground network of drug sellers and suppliers accused of distributing ketamine, a drug linked to Perry’s death.
Among the defendants are two doctors, Perry’s live-in personal assistant, and an individual identified as “The Ketamine Queen.” US Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants exploited Perry’s addiction issues and were aware of the wrongdoing associated with their actions.
Three of the five individuals have reached plea agreements. The remaining two, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, were indicted on Wednesday. Plasencia has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine. He has been released on a $100,000 unsecured bond while surrendering his DEA license. His trial is scheduled for October 8.
Sangha has also pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and possession with intent to distribute other drugs. The judge has revoked her bond and decided she should remain in custody, citing a significant flight risk due to her dual citizenship in the U.S. and the U.K. and her history of international travel.
Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. He was found deceased in a jacuzzi, with an autopsy confirming that he died from “acute effects of ketamine” and subsequent drowning.
Estrada indicated that the actor had relapsed into addiction just prior to his death and outlined that Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez had allegedly supplied Perry with ketamine, which Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was administering despite lacking medical training. Iwamasa and another associate, Eric Fleming, have already pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of ketamine that contributed to Perry’s death.
According to the investigation, over a span of two months leading to Perry’s death, he was supplied with approximately 20 vials of ketamine totaling around $55,000. Estrada condemned the actions of the accused, highlighting an instance in which Plasencia expressed a profit-oriented mindset in his communications about Perry.
Perry’s struggles with addiction were documented extensively in his memoir, where he described his journey from prescription medication abuse to significant health challenges.
His death has provoked a strong response from the public and those who knew him. Following the news, his “Friends” co-stars expressed their devastation, remarking on the familial bond formed during the show’s run and their collective grief over his loss.
The investigation into his death remains ongoing, with multiple agencies, including the DEA, involved in determining the circumstances that led to Perry obtaining the drugs. Authorities emphasized that every victim’s life is valuable, and this case underscores the importance of addressing and penalizing those who enable addiction.