A licensed physician and a suspected drug dealer were apprehended today in relation to the death of actor Matthew Perry, who died from a ketamine overdose in October 2023. Court documents reveal that a total of five defendants, which include two physicians, are facing charges in this case.
The individuals arrested today are included in an 18-count indictment that was filed on Wednesday. The charges relate to the distribution of ketamine during the last weeks of Perry’s life, with the following defendants named:
Jasveen Sangha, 41, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” from North Hollywood; and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, referred to as “Dr. P,” from Santa Monica.
Sangha and Plasencia are both charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine. In addition, Sangha faces multiple charges, including maintaining a drug-involved premises and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine, along with several counts of ketamine distribution.
The indictment claims that Sangha’s distribution of ketamine led to Perry’s death on October 24, 2023. Plasencia is charged with several counts relating to ketamine distribution and document falsification related to the federal investigation.
They are set to be arraigned later today in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada criticized the defendants for their actions, stating that they prioritized financial gain over Perry’s health. He emphasized that the legal system will hold drug dealers accountable for the harm they cause.
LAPD Chief Dominic Choi acknowledged the collaborative effort required to bring these individuals to justice, highlighting the daily struggles faced by officers in dealing with drug-related harm in the community.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram noted that the defendants collectively contributed to Perry’s death through the improper prescription and distribution of ketamine. She emphasized the commitment of the DEA and its partners to hold accountable those who deal dangerous drugs.
The three other defendants involved in separate charges include:
Erik Fleming, 54, who pleaded guilty in August to charges of conspiracy and distribution of ketamine resulting in death. He admitted to supplying the ketamine that caused Perry’s death.
Kenneth Iwamasa, 59, who conspired to illegally acquire and distribute ketamine to Perry, and admitted to injecting Perry with the substance without medical training.
Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, who has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, acknowledged in his plea submission that he sold ketamine to Plasencia, having mismanaged his former clinic’s supplies.
According to the indictment, Plasencia became aware of Perry’s interest in ketamine due to his documented drug struggles and facilitated access to the substance, which should have been strictly regulated. Over the course of several weeks, Plasencia reportedly distributed ketamine to Perry and his assistant, breaching medical standards and failing to monitor Perry’s health.
Sangha has a history of distributing ketamine, previously implicated in an overdose death in 2019. Following Perry’s death, significant amounts of illegal drugs and evidence related to trafficking were discovered at her residence.
Additionally, it was reported that Plasencia attempted to falsify medical records to mislead the investigation after Perry’s death.
An indictment serves as a formal accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
If found guilty on all charges, Sangha could face a minimum of 10 years and potentially life in federal prison, while Plasencia faces lengthy sentences for each charge. Iwamasa and Fleming face substantial prison time upon sentencing as well.
The case is currently being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, DEA, and United States Postal Inspection Service, under the prosecution of Assistant United States Attorneys.