It’s been nearly two years since Friends star Matthew Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles, California, home at just 54 years old. The actor was reportedly found unconscious in his hot tub, and his longtime assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, called 9-1-1. Two months after his death, it was revealed that the actor had died from the “acute effects” of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic. Mr. Perry had been very open about his years-long struggle with addiction, but his death was shocking, as many thought the actor was sober.
Related: Something More Sinister? Matthew Perry’s Ex Doubts His Ketamine Death
Before his death, Mr. Perry had admitted to participating in a newer therapy treatment, known as ketamine therapy. Ketamine therapy is conducted under the strict supervision of a medical professional in a controlled environment. Sadly, the Mr. Sunshine actor had become addicted to the drug and was getting his hands on vial after vial of ketamine without his doctor knowing.
Seven months after his death, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency announced a joint investigation into how Mr. Perry was able to obtain massive amounts of ketamine.
That investigation led to the arrest of five people — Kenneth Iwamasa, Dr. Mark Chavez, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Erik Fleming, and Jasveen Sangha. Ms. Sangha, AKA “The Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood, was accused of selling the drug to Mr. Fleming, who gave it to Mr. Iwamasa. Dr. Chavez was accused of selling the drug to Dr. Plasencia, who would then sell it to Mr. Perry and Mr. Iwamasa.
Related: Report: Matthew Perry Wanted to Sell the Drug That Killed Him
Since their arrests, three people have already pleaded guilty to their involvement in Mr. Perry’s death. In August 2024, Mr. Fleming pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. He will be sentenced this November and faces up to 25 years in prison.
Kenneth Iwamasa, Mr. Perry’s assistant, also pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. He further admitted to repeatedly injecting Mr. Perry with ketamine, including on the day he died. Like Mr. Fleming, Mr. Iwamasa will be sentenced this November and faces up to 15 years in prison.
In October 2024, Dr. Chavez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, resulting in death. Dr. Chavez was freed on $50,000 bond and is currently awaiting sentencing.
And now, a fourth person has pleaded guilty to the charges against them.
According to reports, Dr. Salvador Plasencia has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine to Mr. Perry before his death. He faces up to 40 years in prison.
In a report from The Los Angeles Times:
Plasencia had previously been facing a variety of charges, including altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation.
Plasencia was accused of acquiring the ketamine for Perry and acting outside the scope of professional practice. Authorities say he not only distributed the drug that killed Perry, he also taught Iwamasa how to inject it into the actor. Iwamasa is accused of giving Perry the fatal dose.
After Perry’s death, Plasencia was accused of giving officials falsified documents showing a medical treatment plan for Perry that claimed he was being given a maximum dose of 60 milligrams over 24 hours. In fact, prosecutors say, Perry was injecting far higher doses.
Related: Matthew Perry’s Tragic Death Foreshadowed in His Social Media Posts
During the investigation into his death, it was revealed that Mr. Perry was interested in selling ketamine. When Dr. Plasencia learned that Mr. Perry wanted to sell the powerful drug, he reportedly reached out to Dr. Chavez. The two discussed selling to Mr. Perry in a nonchalant way, knowing that he was an addict in distress.
But instead of being concerned about his spiraling addiction, text messages between the two reveal that they were only interested in how much money they could get from him. Dr. Plasencia reportedly texted Dr. Chavez, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” and Dr. Chavez responded, “Let’s find out.”
Dr. Plasencia’s plea is expected to be entered next week, and that is when we expect a sentencing date to be set.
Jasveen Sangha is the only one of the accused left, and she has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, drug, or substance abuse, there is help available. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Do you think those involved in Matthew Perry’s death should face the maximum amount of jail time? How should the law handle people like this in the future? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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