Five Charged in Matthew Perry Death Probe, Including Assistant and Doctors

Five individuals have been charged in connection with the overdose death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry, after allegedly exploiting his drug addiction for financial gain, according to U.S. officials on Thursday.

Perry, who passed away at his luxury Los Angeles home last year, was found unresponsive in his swimming pool. The actor, famous for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show, was 54 years old at the time.

Federal prosecutor Martin Estrada stated, “These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew their actions were dangerous to Mr. Perry, but they proceeded anyway.” He further criticized the accused, saying, “They were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than in caring for his well-being.”

The charges were brought against two doctors, Perry’s live-in assistant, a broker, and a North Hollywood dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen,” who has also been linked to another overdose death.

An autopsy revealed that Perry’s death was caused by “the acute effects of ketamine,” a controlled substance the actor had been taking as part of a supervised therapy.

According to Estrada, Perry had relapsed into addiction in the fall of 2023 and was supplied with ketamine by doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez. Over two months, they sold him 20 vials of the drug for $55,000, despite each vial costing them as little as $12. Plasencia, who works in the upscale Calabasas neighborhood, was aware that Perry’s condition was deteriorating but continued to supply him with the drug.

Perry also obtained ketamine from Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” through broker Eric Fleming, including the fatal batch. Sangha’s home was described as a “drug-selling emporium,” containing various illegal substances.

Plasencia denied the charges in court, where he appeared with his ankles chained, and was released on $100,000 bail. He could face up to 120 years in prison if convicted. Sangha, a dual British-American citizen, pleaded not guilty but was denied bail due to her jet-set lifestyle, including a trip to Tokyo shortly after Perry’s death. She could face life imprisonment if found guilty.

The other defendants have either pleaded guilty or agreed to do so, with potential sentences ranging from 10 to 25 years in prison.

The case highlights the dangers of ketamine, a drug used by doctors and veterinarians as an anesthetic, but also misused for its hallucinogenic effects. While researchers are exploring its potential for treating depression, it remains a risky substance, especially for those with underlying health issues.

Perry, who became a global star through “Friends,” battled addiction for much of his life, as detailed in his 2022 memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.” His return to drug use, facilitated by those who exploited his desperation, ultimately led to his tragic death. Drug Enforcement Administration chief Anne Milgram commented, “The desperation that led Perry to these individuals was not met with help… but instead it was met with exploitation.”