Multiple individuals have been charged in connection with the actor Matthew Perry’s death, who tragically passed away in October 2023. The charges stem from allegations involving the distribution of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic drug. However, most of the accused have pleaded not guilty in front of the court.
Five individuals, including Matthew Perry’s personal assistant and two doctors, have been charged in connection with the actor’s death from a ketamine overdose in October 2023. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada described the group as part of a “broad underground criminal network” that exploited Perry’s addiction for profit.
The two doctors involved, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez, allegedly provided Perry with dangerous amounts of ketamine. It is a powerful anesthetic commonly beneficial for surgery but increasingly misused for treating depression and anxiety. Moreover, when Perry’s regular doctors refused to give him more ketamine, he turned to Plasencia and Chavez. The alleged friends saw an opportunity to profit from Perry’s desperation. In text messages revealed in court, one doctor referred to Perry derogatorily and discussed how much money they could extract from him.
Police arrested Plasencia, who was charged with distributing about 20 vials of ketamine to Perry, and he pleaded not guilty. His lawyer argued that Plasencia believed he was acting in Perry’s best interests. Although the prosecutor highlighted the doctor’s disregard for the dangers he was exposing Perry to. Moreover, Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy charges related to obtaining and distributing ketamine.
Other Accused Persons
The actor’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, played a direct role in Perry’s death by administering multiple ketamine injections to him on the day he died. Iwamasa has already pleaded guilty. However, another individual, Erik Fleming was responsible for delivering the drug to Perry.
Authorities accuse Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” of being the main supplier of the ketamine that killed Perry. Sangha allegedly sold Perry 50 vials of the drug for $11,000 in cash. The court denied her bail after charging her with intent to distribute ketamine, and she could face life in prison if convicted. Sangha has pleaded not guilty. However, prosecutors pointed to her alleged involvement in another overdose death in 2019 as evidence of her ongoing criminal activity.
Matthew Perry’s tragic death highlights the latest in a series of high-profile cases where those enabling and profiting from a celebrity’s addiction are being held accountable. In addition, the case highlights the dangerous misuse of drugs like ketamine and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by those they trust.
