Biggest Revelations in Matthew Perry's Death Investigation from Arrests of Doctors to Alleged 'Cover Ups,' Per Prosecutors

Mar. 15, 2025

Matthew Perry.Photo: Michael Kovac/FilmMagic

On Aug. 15, United States Attorney Martin Estrada announced that multiple people were charged in connection with Perry’s death, including two doctors and his personal, liv-in assistant.

“Each of the defendants played a key role in his death," Anne Milgram of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration alleged at the Aug. 15 briefing that was live-streamed.

Here’s what to know:

Who are the defendants?

The five people arrested include Perry’s personal assistant, two doctors and an alleged drug distributor who Estrada alleged “took advantage” of Perry for their own “profit.”

Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa was also charged — and has already pleaded guilty — alongsideErik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez, the DoJ announced.

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

Matthew Perry.David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

What are the charges?

She is facing 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, theDepartment of Justiceannounced.

Plascencia is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Sangha and Plascencia will both be arraigned at a later date.

Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, per the DoJ.

Fleming pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Chavez will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, per the DoJ.

The defendants tried to ‘cover up’ evidence, officials say

The defendants were allegedly aware of how their actions were negatively impacting Perry’s health and well-being but continued to provide him with the drugs, authorities said at the briefing.

Among other evidence, authorities say they found text exchanges where Sangha wrote, “I wouldn’t do it if there wasn’t a chance of me making some money for doing this," Estrada claimed at the briefing.

He further alleged that the text exchanges revealed the defendants were allegedly aware that the manner in which they were administering the ketamine was not the proper way.

The investigation

Thursday’s announcement comes after a months-long investigation that involved the United States Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Los Angeles Division.

The LAPD started looking intothe star’s death in Mayafter the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner closed its investigation.

In December, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coronerclosed its investigationinto his death, PEOPLE reported at the time. The manner of his death was ruled to be accidental.

After the medical examiner released its report on Perry’s death, the LAPD launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his overdose death in December, the department confirmed to PEOPLE in May.

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Perry was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the 90s sitcom,Friends. Throughout his career, he spoke highly of the role that brought him — and fellow cast members,Jennifer Aniston.Courteney Cox,Lisa Kudrow,Matt LeBlancandDavid Schwimmer— breakout fame.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com