Five people have been charged in connection with the drug-related death of actor Matthew Perry, according to recent reports. The charges include two doctors and Perry’s personal assistant, highlighting a complex criminal network involved in distributing large quantities of ketamine. Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular television show Friends, was found dead at his Los Angeles home in October 2023. A post-mortem examination revealed a fatal concentration of ketamine in his bloodstream.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

The investigation, which began in May, uncovered a broad underground network responsible for distributing ketamine, a powerful anesthetic used for medical purposes and in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and pain. Federal prosecutors have detailed how this network exploited Perry’s addiction issues for financial gain. US Attorney Martin Estrada criticized the defendants for their actions: “They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr. Perry, but they did it anyway.”

Among the accused is Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, who has already pleaded guilty to drug charges. Two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, have also been charged. Plasencia allegedly provided Perry with ketamine outside the bounds of legitimate medical practice and instructed Iwamasa on unsafe injection methods. The indictment states that in the four days leading up to Perry’s death, Iwamasa administered at least 27 ketamine injections, despite previous advisories against high doses.

Details of the Drug Scheme

The indictment reveals an elaborate scheme involving the illegal procurement and distribution of ketamine. Prosecutors allege that Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, collaborated with doctors Plasencia and Chavez to deliver over $50,000 worth of ketamine to Perry shortly before his death. Plasencia is accused of making derogatory remarks about Perry’s condition and providing ketamine without a legitimate medical reason. Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” is also charged with supplying the drug to Plasencia. Sangha and Plasencia appeared in court on Thursday, with Plasencia posting a $100,000 bond and Sangha being held without bond. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Cover-Up Efforts and Contributing Factors

Prosecutors allege that after Perry’s death, the defendants attempted to conceal their involvement. Sangha reportedly instructed a co-defendant to delete all messages related to the case, while Plasencia is accused of falsifying medical records. In addition to ketamine toxicity, Perry’s death was also attributed to drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used for opioid dependence.

Matthew Perry’s battle with addiction was well-documented throughout his career, including his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. Despite periods of sobriety, Perry’s struggles with substance abuse were public and ongoing, affecting his personal and professional life. The case continues to unfold as authorities seek to hold those responsible for his tragic death accountable.