LOS ANGELES—Five people have been charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death from a ketamine overdose last year, including the actor’s assistant and two doctors.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the charges on Thursday, stating, “These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong.”
The five individuals have been charged for their roles in supplying Perry with large amounts of ketamine, leading to his overdose death in October 2023.
Here is what we know about those charged after an extensive investigation into Perry’s death.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia
Plasencia, a doctor from the Santa Monica area, was arrested and charged with various counts related to ketamine distribution and altering records. He pleaded not guilty in court and can be released on bond.
According to the indictment, Plasencia used coded language to discuss drug deals and facilitated the transfer of drugs to Perry through his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.
Plasencia’s attorney stated that he was operating with good intentions and that his actions did not amount to criminal misconduct.
Possible sentence: Up to 10 years for ketamine-related counts and up to 20 years for records falsification counts.
Jasveen Sangha
Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” was charged with multiple counts related to ketamine distribution and drug possession. She is alleged to have distributed ketamine that led to Perry’s death.
Sangha pleaded not guilty and remains in custody. Her attorney criticized the use of the media-friendly nickname for her client.
Possible sentence: 10 years to life in prison.
Kenneth Iwamasa
Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine causing death. He administered ketamine injections to Perry without medical training and found Perry dead in his home.
Iwamasa faces a possible sentence of 15 years in prison.
Dr. Mark Chavez
Chavez, from San Diego, agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. He obtained ketamine through fraudulent means and sold it to Plasencia, who further distributed it to Iwamasa.
Chavez, a former ketamine clinic owner, also falsified statements related to the drug’s distribution.
Possible sentence: 10 years in prison.
Erik Fleming
Fleming, a friend of Perry’s, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution of ketamine resulting in death. He obtained ketamine from Sangha and supplied it to Iwamasa.
In total, he provided 50 vials of ketamine to Perry, with 25 of them being given just four days prior to the actor’s passing.
Requests for comment from Fleming’s lawyers went unanswered.
Potential sentence: 25 years behind bars.
By Kaitlyn Huamani and Andrew Dalton
