Five people have been charged in connection with the drug-related death of Matthew Perry last year, according to police. The charges include two doctors and Perry’s personal assistant. The investigation, which began in May, revealed a “broad underground criminal network” distributing large quantities of ketamine.
Perry, 54, died at his Los Angeles home in October. A post-mortem examination showed a high concentration of ketamine in his blood, determining that the substance’s acute effects led to his death. US Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants exploited Perry’s addiction issues for their own gain, fully aware of the risks involved.
Three of the defendants, including Perry’s assistant, have pleaded guilty to drug charges. On Thursday, two others—Dr. Salvador Plasencia and a woman known as “The Ketamine Queen”—were arrested. Ketamine, a powerful anesthetic used for depression, anxiety, and pain, was found at levels comparable to those used in general anesthesia, which exceeded what would be expected from Perry’s medical treatments.The indictment outlines a scheme where Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, collaborated with two doctors to provide over $50,000 worth of ketamine to Perry in the weeks before his death. One of the doctors, Dr. Plasencia, is accused of prescribing ketamine without legitimate medical reasons and instructing Iwamasa on unsafe administration practices.
In the days leading up to Perry’s death, Iwamasa allegedly administered at least 27 doses of ketamine, despite previous warnings about large doses. Additional charges involve Jasveen Sangha, the “Ketamine Queen,” and others in the network. Sangha and Plasencia appeared in court, with Plasencia granted a $100,000 bond and Sangha held without bond. Both are set for trial in October.
Prosecutors allege the defendants attempted to cover their tracks after Perry’s death, with Sangha reportedly instructing to delete messages and Plasencia accused of falsifying medical records. Perry’s death was ruled an accident, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects listed as contributing factors.Perry, who battled addiction during his fame on “Friends,” had been mostly sober since 2001, as noted in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.”