Two doctors, drug dealer charged in connection with actor Matthew Perry’s death
Five defendants were arrested for allegedly distributing ketamine to Matthew Perry during the final weeks of his life
Updated: Aug 16th, 2024
In a significant development in the case surrounding the death of ‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry, federal authorities have arrested two doctors and a prominent drug dealer in connection with the fatal ketamine overdose that occurred in October 2023.
Five defendants were arrested on August 15 for allegedly distributing ketamine to Perry during the final weeks of the actor’s life.
Who is Jasveen Sangha?
Jasveen Sangha, 41, known as “The Ketamine Queen” from North Hollywood, who owns a ‘stash house’ and Dr Salvador Plasencia, 42, from Santa Monica were arrested, according to the Central District Court of California.
The charges against the accused include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premise, and various counts related to the possession and distribution of ketamine and methamphetamine.
Sangha faces a range of charges including one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, and multiple counts related to drug possession and distribution. The indictment alleges that Sangha’s distribution of ketamine on Oct 24, 2023, directly led to Perry’s death.
Dr Plasencia is charged with seven counts of distribution of ketamine and additional counts related to altering and falsifying documents.
Another convicted Erik Fleming, 54, from Hawthorne, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution charges related to Perry’s death. Fleming admitted to distributing the ketamine that resulted in Perry’s fatal overdose and to obtaining the drug from Sangha.
Kenneth Iwamasa, 59, of Toluca Lake, also pleaded guilty, acknowledging his role in distributing ketamine to Perry and administering it without medical training. Dr Mark Chavez, 54, of San Diego, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of conspiracy related to the sale of ketamine obtained through fraudulent means.
According to court documents, Plasencia learned of Perry’s interest in ketamine and began supplying the drug to him. He engaged in transactions with Chavez to obtain ketamine, which was then distributed to Perry and administered by Iwamasa.
The indictment details how Plasencia and other defendants engaged in illegal activities, including falsifying medical records and conspiring to evade law enforcement.
In text messages to Chavez, Plasencia discussed how much to charge Perry for the ketamine, stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Let’s find out.”
The indictment alleges that Sangha continued to sell ketamine despite being aware of its dangers, including its role in a previous overdose death. Sangha’s stash house in North Hollywood was found to contain significant quantities of illegal drugs, including ketamine, methamphetamine, and other substances.
Almost half a year after the death of Perry, the LAPD in May 2024 had opened an investigation of this case, which earlier was perceived as an ‘open-and-shut’ case, reported local media.
The police were actively probing the origins of the ‘ketamine’ (an anaesthetic, used to induce a loss of consciousness and relieve pain and depression) involved in his demise, focusing on identifying the supplier and the circumstances surrounding its procurement.
As per the court document, US Attorney Martin Estrada condemned the defendants’ actions, emphasising that their greed overshadowed any concern for Perry’s well-being.
However, the indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, Sangha faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, while Plasencia could face up to 20 years in prison for falsifying records.
This case continues to unfold, with the remaining defendants set to face sentencing in the coming months.
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