In the days leading up to his death in October 2023, Matthew Perry, the actor best known for his role on Friends, was allegedly receiving high doses of ketamine up to six to eight times a day, including an incident where he reportedly froze and was unable to move, according to prosecutors.
Perry died at his Los Angeles home on October 27, 2023, from the “acute effects” of ketamine, as previously reported by authorities.
On August 16, 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office in California announced the arrest of five individuals in connection with Perry’s death. The arrested include Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Jasveen Sangha—who has been dubbed “The Ketamine Queen”—Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Erik Fleming, and Dr. Mark Chavez. They face several drug-related and conspiracy charges, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Iwamasa, Fleming, and Chavez have already pleaded guilty to their respective charges. The charges include conspiracy to distribute ketamine and, in some cases, distribution of the drug resulting in death.
Allegations of Misconduct
The plea agreement of Iwamasa reveals that Dr. Plasencia administered a large dose of ketamine to Perry on October 12, 2023. This dose allegedly caused an adverse medical reaction, leaving Perry “frozen” and unable to move or speak, as outlined in the agreement reviewed by PEOPLE.
Earlier that day, Perry had already received ketamine infusion therapy from another medical professional, a fact known to Iwamasa. Despite this, Iwamasa reportedly requested Plasencia’s presence to administer an additional dose of ketamine, according to the plea agreement.
Prosecutors allege that all five individuals involved were aware of Perry’s severe addiction to ketamine, which he had previously overcome. Yet, they continued to provide him with the drug.
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“In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement announcing the charges.
Financial and Legal Consequences
Sangha’s indictment details that despite knowing about Perry’s adverse reaction, Plasencia allegedly left additional vials of ketamine with Iwamasa on October 12. For that day alone, Plasencia is said to have received approximately $21,500 in cash from Iwamasa.
Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Chavez is set to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, while Fleming has pleaded guilty to both conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death, according to the DOJ.
Sangha faces a range of charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine.
Plasencia is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. It remains unclear whether Sangha or Plasencia have entered pleas yet.
For those struggling with substance abuse issues, assistance is available. The SAMHSA helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.
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