Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry. The charges involve a network of people, including doctors and a known drug dealer, who allegedly exploited Perry’s vulnerability as a recovering addict and provided him with ketamine, the drug that led to his death.
Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing on the TV show “Friends,” was found deceased in October 2023 at the age of 54. His body was discovered face down in the jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades residence. The autopsy report concluded that Perry died from “acute effects of ketamine” combined with drowning.
In his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” published in 2022, Perry detailed his ongoing battle with drug addiction. He recounted how his addiction began following a jet ski accident in 1997, after which he was prescribed Vicodin. Investigators believe that Perry relapsed into addiction shortly before his death.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that a group of individuals prioritized their financial gain over Perry’s well-being. Among those charged are two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, who are accused of supplying Perry with ketamine. Estrada alleged that Plasencia saw the situation as an opportunity to profit and even contacted Chavez to provide the drug.
Prosecutors revealed that Plasencia learned of Perry’s interest in ketamine in September 2023 and subsequently arranged for its purchase. Text messages disclosed during the investigation show Plasencia’s derogatory comments about Perry, indicating a lack of concern for his health.
Plasencia is alleged to have sold ketamine to Perry’s assistant and provided instructions on its administration. He is also accused of delivering the drug to Perry’s home and administering it himself. On October 12, Plasencia reportedly gave Perry a large dose that caused a severe medical reaction, leading to his inability to move or speak.
In the weeks leading up to Perry’s death, another associate, Eric Fleming, reportedly arranged for the purchase of ketamine from an alleged dealer named Jasveen Sangha. According to the charges, Perry was given approximately 20 vials of ketamine over a period of two months, costing him around $55,000.
Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen” in North Hollywood, is accused of operating a drug distribution network from her residence. Fleming and Sangha allegedly tried to cover their tracks after Perry’s death by deleting incriminating messages.
Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is accused of injecting Perry with ketamine despite lacking medical training. The indictment states that Iwamasa administered multiple injections to Perry on the day of his death.
In response to the charges, Plasencia has pleaded not guilty to several counts related to ketamine distribution and falsifying documents. Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Sangha faces multiple charges, including conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute ketamine and methamphetamine. Fleming has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution charges, while Iwamasa has admitted to conspiracy charges related to Perry’s death.
The family of Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, expressed their sorrow and relief following the announcement of the charges. They commended the law enforcement agencies for their thorough investigation and expressed hope that the legal proceedings will address the issue of dangerous drug distribution.
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