Five individuals, including doctors and Matthew Perry's assistant, have been charged in connection with his fatal ketamine overdose. The charges follow an investigation revealing a criminal network exploiting Perry's addiction. Key figures include "the Ketamine Queen," doctors, and Perry's live-in assistant. The case underscores serious issues in drug distribution.
In a significant development following actor Matthew Perry's death, five individuals have been charged in connection with his fatal ketamine overdose. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada revealed at a press conference that the charges include two doctors, Perry's live-in assistant, and an individual known as "the Ketamine Queen," who is alleged to have supplied the drug.
The investigation began after the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office determined that Perry's death on October 28, 2023, resulted from acute ketamine toxicity. The charges stem from an extensive probe into a criminal network involved in the distribution of ketamine. According to Estrada, this network exploited Perry's addiction issues for profit, disregarding the severe risks involved.
Key figures charged include Jasveen Sangha, known as "the Ketamine Queen," accused of providing the fatal ketamine, and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, alleged to have distributed the drug outside medical norms. Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, reportedly administered ketamine injections to Perry without medical training. Erik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez are also implicated for their roles in the distribution and sale of ketamine.
The investigation, involving multiple agencies including the DEA and LAPD, highlights Perry's relapse into addiction. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram noted that Perry, previously undergoing ketamine therapy, sought illicit sources as his dependency deepened.
Sangha faces charges that could lead to life imprisonment, while Plasencia and Chavez also face significant federal penalties. The ongoing case underscores the perilous intersection of addiction and illegal drug distribution.
