Prosecutors have found a “broad underground criminal network” partially responsible for the death of actor Matthew Perry. Prosecutors have charged five people for their actions to help Perry secure the surgical anesthetic that ultimately killed him.
Charges Against Perry’s Assistant and Doctors
Perry’s assistant and two doctors have been charged with unlawful behavior that resulted in Perry gaining access to the drug that killed him.
Announcement of Charges
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the charges Thursday, alleging that the team of individuals took advantage of Perry’s vulnerability and history of addiction and gave him dangerous levels of Ketamine in the last months of his life.
Allegations of Recklessness
Estrada claimed, “They knew what they were doing was wrong. They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr. Perry. But they did it anyway.”
Indictment Details
According to the indictment, one of the physicians wrote via a text message, “I wonder how much this moron will pay…let’s find out.”
Perry’s History with Drugs
Most famous for his role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” Perry died of a drug overdose in October. He had a history of drug addiction. Prosecutors claim Perry was given several injections of the drug Ketamine the day he died by his personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa. Iwamasa found Perry dead, called emergency services, and was the first person who spoke to investigators.
Background on Perry’s Drug Use
In addition to his struggles with drugs and addiction, Perry also suffered from depression and was taking Ketamine for that ailment.
Legal Medical Treatment
Perry’s prescribed ketamine dosage was not enough to kill him. Prosecutors did not charge his prescribing physician. When Perry’s prescribing physician would not elevate his ketamine dose upon Perry’s request, he sought outside assistance to secure a more dangerous dose..
Abuse of Medical Trust
Estrada said, “We are not talking about legitimate ketamine treatment. We’re talking about two doctors who abused the trust they had, abused their licenses to put another person’s life at risk.”
Financial Exploitation
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency reported Perry paid $2,000 for a $12 vial of Ketamine. Altogether, the charged doctors allegedly extorted $55,000 in cash from Perry two months before his overdose and death.
Arrests and Guilty Pleas
Two of those charged were arrested Thursday. Iwamasa and another defendant have pleaded guilty, and a third is expected to plead guilty as well.
Charges Against Dr. Salvador Plasencia
Dr. Salvador Plasencia is charged with seven counts of distribution of Ketamine and two counts of falsifying records after Perry died. If convicted, Plasencia could receive up to 120 years in prison. Plasencia’s medical record is otherwise clean, with no complaints against his medical license.
Arrest of Jasveen Sangha
Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” was also arrested Thursday for supplying the Ketamine that killed Perry. Sangha could receive a sentence of life in prison for her involvement in Perry’s death.
Guilty Plea by Dr. Mark Chavez
San Diego physician Dr. Mark Chavez has already agreed to plead guilty to a conspiracy to distribute Ketamine. Prosecutors claim Chavez distributed Ketamine to Plasencia via a wholesale distributor using a fraudulent prescription.
