Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler in the popular sitcom “Friends.” The charges were announced by local authorities on August 15th. According to federal prosecutors, an investigation revealed the existence of a large-scale underground criminal network supplying Perry with substantial amounts of ketamine. The investigation also revealed that Perry had relapsed into drug addiction in the fall of 2023.
The individuals arrested include Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Queen of Ketamine,” Eric Fleming, Kenneth Iwamasa who worked as Perry’s live-in assistant, and doctors Salvador Placencia and Mark Chavez. Iwamasa is accused of repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine, despite lacking medical training. He is specifically alleged to have administered multiple injections to Perry on October 28, 2023, the day he died.
Iwamasa and Fleming have pleaded guilty to their charges. If convicted, they face potential sentences of 15 to 25 years in prison. Dr. Chavez is also expected to plead guilty and could face a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Sangha faces five charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and distribution of ketamine. She, along with Dr. Placencia who is also facing a charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, is scheduled to enter pleas on August 15th. If convicted, Sangha faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and potentially life imprisonment.
Perry, 54, was found deceased in his Los Angeles home hot tub in October 2023. He had previously been open about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, detailing his harrowing experiences in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.” While initial investigations indicated no foul play or drug use, subsequent investigations concluded that the cause of death was acute ketamine intoxication. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s report also identified drowning, ischemic heart disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction, as contributing factors to his death.
The Los Angeles Police Department launched their investigation in May. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Postal Inspection Service are believed to have been involved in the investigation as well.
