In a significant development, the United States attorney for the Central District of California, Martin Estrada announced today the arrest of five individuals connected to the tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry. The arrests follow an extensive investigation that uncovered a disturbing criminal network, exploiting Perry’s struggle with addiction for financial gain.
Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit television show Friends, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The sudden passing of the actor, who had been open about his long battle with substance abuse, shocked fans worldwide. An autopsy revealed that Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic that, while legally used in medical settings, is increasingly misused for its hallucinogenic properties.
The investigation into Perry’s death, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles and various law enforcement agencies, soon revealed a complex and illicit supply chain responsible for providing Perry with the dangerous drug.
According to Estrada, five defendants have been charged in connection with Perry’s death. The charges include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution resulting in death, maintaining drug-involved premises, and altering and falsifying records related to a federal investigation.
The central figures in this case are:
Salvador Plasencia, a medical doctor, and Mark Chavez, another medical professional, who allegedly played a pivotal role in obtaining and distributing ketamine to Perry. Plasencia, in particular, is accused of administering the drug to Perry on multiple occasions and leaving additional vials for Perry’s live-in assistant, despite witnessing the actor’s adverse reactions.
Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant, is alleged to have facilitated the distribution of ketamine to Perry. Without any medical training, Iwamasa was reportedly left in charge of administering the drug, contributing to the dangerous and ultimately fatal situation.
Jasveen Sangha, a significant drug supplier known as the “Ketamine Queen,” and Erik Fleming, a broker who helped coordinate the transactions, are accused of profiting from Perry’s addiction by selling large quantities of the drug. Sangha, who had a previous connection to another ketamine-related death in 2019, is alleged to have sold the batch of ketamine that led to Perry’s death.
The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of exploitation, with the defendants allegedly capitalizing on Perry’s vulnerability to feed their greed. Text messages revealed during the investigation highlight the cold calculation behind their actions. Plasencia, in a particularly callous exchange, speculated on how much money he could make from Perry’s addiction, even expressing a desire to become Perry’s sole drug supplier.
Sangha and Fleming’s involvement further underscores the predatory nature of this network. Despite knowing the risks associated with ketamine, they continued to supply the drug, motivated solely by financial gain. In one message, Fleming admitted that he wouldn’t be involved if there wasn’t a profit to be made.
The breadth of this criminal enterprise became evident when law enforcement searched Sangha’s home. They discovered an extensive drug-selling operation, complete with 80 vials of ketamine, methamphetamine pills, cocaine, bottles of Xanax, and other prescription drugs, along with paraphernalia such as scales and ledgers.
The charges against these defendants are severe, with potential sentences ranging from decades to life in prison. Plasencia, for instance, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 120 years in federal prison, while Songha could be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Estrada emphasized that these arrests serve as a stark warning to those involved in the illegal drug trade. “We are sending a clear message,” he stated. “If you are in the business of selling dangerous drugs, we will hold you accountable for the deaths that you cause.”
This case is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to tackle the growing problem of drug-related deaths. Since 2022, the office has filed over 60 cases against drug dealers whose actions have resulted in fatalities. These so-called “death resulting” cases are labor-intensive, requiring close collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors, but they are crucial in holding perpetrators accountable and delivering justice for the victims.
Matthew Perry’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the perils of addiction and the predatory nature of those who exploit it. Perry’s struggles were well-documented, with the actor often speaking candidly about his journey through recovery and relapse. Despite his efforts to overcome his demons, Perry ultimately fell victim to a system that prioritized profit over his well-being.
As the legal process unfolds, the charges brought against these five individuals underscore the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction and ensuring that those who prey on the vulnerable are brought to justice. Perry’s death, while tragic, has also shone a light on the darker aspects of addiction and the urgent need for reform in how society handles substance abuse and mental health issues.
The world has lost a talented actor and a kind soul, but his legacy may yet inspire greater efforts to combat the scourge of addiction and protect those who suffer from its devastating effects.