Following Matthew Perry’s ketamine overdose death last year, two doctors and his assistant were among the five people accused.
LA—Los Angeles (AP) Following Matthew Perry’s ketamine overdose death last year, his assistant and two doctors were among the five people accused.
“These defendants profited from Mr. Perry’s addiction. When announcing the charges on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said they understood they were wrong.
Perry overdosed in October 2023 after receiving substantial doses of ketamine from the five.
This is what we know about those charged after a massive Perry death investigation.
On Thursday, authorities arrested Santa Monica doctor Plasencia on one count of conspiracy to sell ketamine, seven charges of distribution, and two counts of altering and forging federal investigation documentation.
He pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance Thursday, wearing street clothes, handcuffs, and leg shackles. A judge ordered his release on a $100,000 bond.
An indictment unsealed Wednesday alleges that Plasencia, known as “Dr. P,” used encrypted chat apps and coded terminology to negotiate drug purchases, calling ketamine bottles “Dr. Pepper,” “cans,” and “bots.” They suspect him of transferring drugs from himself and others to Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s aide.
The indictment states that Plasencia texted drug dealers, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Lets find out.”
After Plasencia’s court appearance, his attorney, Stefan Sacks, said: “Ultimately, Dr. Plasencia was operating with what he thought were the best of medical intentions,” and his acts “certainly didn’t rise to the level of criminal misconduct.
“His only concern was to give the best medical treatment and to do no harm,” Sacks said. Unfortunately, damage occurred. It was after his involvement.”
Records show that Plasencia, 42, graduated from medical school at UC Los Angeles in 2010 without discipline. October marks his license expiration.
There are potential 10-year prison terms for ketamine-related offenses and 20-year sentences for records falsification.
Sangha stands accused of selling the ketamine that killed Perry at his North Hollywood home. Court documents refer to her as the “Ketamine Queen.”
On Thursday, authorities arrested Sangha, 41, and charged him with conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and five counts of ketamine distribution.
The indictment claims that Sangha’s ketamine shipment on October 24, 2023, killed Perry days later.
On Thursday, a magistrate judge ordered her detention despite her not-guilty plea. Her counsel criticized the prosecutors’ “media-friendly nickname”—Ketamine Queen—for her client. Her counsel wouldn’t comment outside court.
Possible prison term: 10–life.
Authorities said Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in personal aide, talked in code with the others charged with Perry’s death to get ketamine. He admits to giving Perry multiple ketamine injections, including the day he died.
He pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to deliver lethal ketamine.
According to authorities, Iwamasa, 59, had no medical training or controlled substance administration knowledge. He found Perry dead at home.
Iwamasa’s lawyers didn’t respond.
Possible prison term: 15 years.
San Diego doctor Chavez pleaded guilty to one count of ketamine conspiracy. Chavez fraudulently prescribed ketamine to Plasencia, who then sold it to Iwamasa.
Chavez, a former owner of a ketamine clinic, also bought ketamine from a wholesale distributor of illegal drugs and falsely claimed on paperwork that he would not sell or use the drug for any other reason.
Chavez, 54, founded The Health MD, a concierge care business focused on lifespan and exercise, after graduating from UCLA Medical School in 2004. Like Plasencia, Chavez has no disciplinary actions, according to his records. His medical license expires in 2026.
Chavez’s company and personal email have not responded to many requests for comment.
Possible prison term: 10 years.
Perry’s friend Fleming, 54, sold drugs to Iwamasa in exchange for Perry. He acknowledged his involvement in a plot to distribute ketamine, which ultimately led to his death.
According to prosecutors, Fleming obtained Iwamasa ketamine from Sangha. He gave Perry 50 ketamine vials, including 25 four days before his death.
Fleming’s lawyers ignored calls for comment.
Possible prison term: 25 years.
