5 charged in Matthew Perry’s death: What you should know

Huston Recent Editorial Team
3 Min Read

Tragic Death of Matthew Perry: 5 Charged in Connection with Overdose


LOS ANGELESFive 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.

“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said Thursday while announcing the charges.

The five have been charged for their respective roles in supplying Perry with large amounts of ketamine, causing his October 2023 overdose death.

Here is what we know so far about those charged after a sweeping investigation into Perry’s death.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia

Plasencia, a Santa Monica area doctor, was arrested Thursday and charged with various counts related to ketamine distribution and falsifying records. He pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance and is currently out on bond.

An indictment alleges that Plasencia used encrypted messaging and coded language to facilitate drug deals, ultimately leading to Perry’s tragic death.

Plasencia’s attorney claims that the doctor was acting in the best interest of his patient but unfortunately, harm was done.

Possible sentence: Imprisonment for up to 10 years for each ketamine-related count and up to 20 years for each records falsification count.

Jasveen Sangha

Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” faces charges including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Her actions allegedly led to Perry’s fatal overdose.

Despite pleading not guilty, Sangha remains in custody. Her attorney criticized the media-friendly nickname given to her by prosecutors.

Possible sentence: 10 years to life in prison.

Kenneth Iwamasa

Iwamasa, Perry’s personal assistant, admitted to administering ketamine injections to the actor, leading to his death. He has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the case.

Despite lacking medical training, Iwamasa played a critical role in obtaining and administering the harmful substance to Perry.

Possible sentence: 15 years in prison.

Dr. Mark Chavez

Chavez, a doctor from San Diego, has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to ketamine distribution. He falsified statements and obtained the drug through fraudulent means, contributing to Perry’s overdose.

Chavez’s medical license and background are under scrutiny as he faces possible prison time.

Possible sentence: 10 years in prison.

Erik Fleming

Fleming, a friend of Perry’s, has pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine that resulted in the actor’s death. He obtained the drug from Sangha and provided it to Iwamasa.

Attorneys for Fleming have yet to comment on the case as he faces a lengthy prison sentence.

Possible sentence: 25 years in prison.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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