On August 15, five individuals were charged in connection with the drug-related death of actor Matthew Perry, known for his role on the TV show Friends. The charges include two doctors and Perry’s personal assistant, as part of a broader investigation into a criminal network distributing large quantities of ketamine.
Perry, 54, was found dead at his Los Angeles home in October last year. The post-mortem examination revealed a high concentration of ketamine in his blood, which was determined to be the cause of his death. The medical examiner reported that the levels of ketamine in Perry’s system were comparable to those used during general anesthesia, far exceeding what would be expected from his prescribed infusion therapy.
US Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants exploited Perry’s addiction issues for financial gain, knowing their actions posed significant risks. Three of the defendants, including Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, have already pleaded guilty to drug charges. The remaining two, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” were arrested on August 15.
Prosecutors detailed an elaborate drug purchasing scheme in a federal indictment. Iwamasa, working with Dr. Plasencia, allegedly provided Perry with over $50,000 worth of ketamine in the weeks leading up to his death. Dr. Plasencia is accused of providing the drug without legitimate medical reasons and instructing Iwamasa on improper administration techniques.
In the four days before Perry’s death, Iwamasa reportedly administered at least 27 doses of ketamine to the actor, despite prior warnings about the risks. The indictment also claims that the defendants attempted to cover up their crimes posthumously. Sangha allegedly instructed a co-conspirator to delete messages, and Plasencia is accused of falsifying medical records.
The case has highlighted the tragic exploitation of Perry’s substance abuse struggles. At the time of his death, Perry had been candid about his battle with addiction, including in his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. The actor had a history of addiction to painkillers and alcohol, and despite multiple attempts at rehabilitation, he had been largely sober since 2001, with occasional relapses.
The court proceedings for Sangha and Plasencia are set to begin in October. Sangha is being held without bond, while Plasencia has been granted a $100,000 bond. The legal outcomes of these proceedings will be closely watched as they address the alleged criminal exploitation of Perry’s vulnerabilities.
