Here Is Who Is Being Charged In Connection With Ketamine Deal That Led To Matthew Perry's Death

More information has come to light surrounding those arrested in connection with Matthew Perry’s death — and it’s extremely disheartening.

We reported early on Thursday morning that arrests had finally been made nearly one year after the late Friends actor’s passing. As the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed last year, Matthew died after falling unconscious and drowning in his hot tub from the effects of illegal ketamine. TMZ reported that among those arrested were a dealer and a doctor, in addition to others. And now, we know exactly who they are.

On Thursday, the Department of Justice revealed in a press release that five total suspects were arrested, including Matthew’s live-in personal assistant. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada noted that the DOJ’s investigations revealed a “broad underground criminal network responsible for distributing large quantities of ketamine to Mr. Perry and others.” Arrested in the Fools Rush In star’s case is his assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, as well as Jasveen Sangha, otherwise known as “The Ketamine Queen,” Dr. Salvador Plascencia, Dr. Mark Chavez, and Erik Fleming.

Martin revealed that Matthew “fell back into addiction, and these defendants took advantage to profit for themselves.” According to the DoJ, Kenneth pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, as he reportedly injected Matthew “repeatedly” with ketamine “without medical training” — including on October 28, 2023, the day of Matthew’s death. Now, he is facing 15 to 25 years in prison.

Jasveen was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine. She reportedly sold Matthew 50 vials of ketamine over two weeks in exchange for $20,000, and is accused of selling him the batch that took his life. She’s facing a minimum of 10 years in prison, up to the possibility of a life sentence.

Dr. Plascencia was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, while Dr. Chavez pleaded guilty to the same charge and reportedly admitted to selling Dr. Plascencia the illegal drug. Over two months, the pair reportedly distributed 20 vials of ketamine to the late Whole Nine Yards star in exchange for $55,000 in cash. They reportedly sold the vials for around $2,000 each, while it only cost the doctors $12. Dr. Plascencia reportedly even said in text messages, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” referring to Matthew. Dr. Chavez faces up to 10 years in prison, while Dr. Plascencia faces a maximum of 120 years.

Meanwhile, Fleming pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. He apparently admitted to distributing the fateful batch of ketamine that took Matthew’s life, and faces 15 to 25 years in prison for it.

Martin Estrada added in the Thursday press conference:

“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. 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 anyways. In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his wellbeing.”

So incredibly tragic and exploitative. We’re so glad to see that these criminals are facing justice!

[Image via MEGA/WENN]