Multiple people have been arrested in connection with the the drug overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, according to the New York Times.
Perry, 54, died on October 28th, 2023, after being found face down in a hot tub at his Los Angeles-area home. A coroner ruled his cause of death to have resulted from “the acute effects of ketamine,” prompting the Los Angeles Police Department to open an investigation into the source of the drugs.
Now, the Times reports that Perry’s personal assistant, two doctors, and several others have been taken into custody and are facing a litany of charges related to Perry’s death.
In particular, Salvador Plasencia, a doctor, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine; distribution of ketamine resulting in death; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and altering and falsifying records related to a federal investigation.
Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa; another doctor, Mark Chavez; and Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Mr. Perry’s, are all charged separately with counts including conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
Also listed in the indictment is Jasveen Sangha, who prosecutors say is known as “the Ketamine Queen.” Sangha is accused of maintaining a “stash house” in North Hollywood and selling viles of ketamine to Perry and his associates.
The Friends actor underwent ketamine infusion therapy to treat depression and anxiety, but his last session took place a week-and-a-half prior to his death. Per NBC News, the medical examiner noted that the ketamine in Perry’s system “could not be from that infusion therapy” given its short half-life.
The indictment includes text messages from Perry discussing his interest in obtaining ketamine and how much he was willing to pay for the drugs, as well as correspondence between those charged.
