DOJ Says Doctors Arrested for Matthew Perry Drug Death Allegedly Texted: 'Wonder How Much This Moron Will Pay'

Mar. 15, 2025

Matthew Perry.Photo:Mike Pont/WireImage

Mike Pont/WireImage

As California authorities continue theirinvestigationinto the death of formerFriendsstarMatthew Perry, more information is coming to light about the roles those close to him played in his demise.

Several charges were announced against Jasveen Sangha, who U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada alleged is known as “The Ketamine Queen,” and Dr. Salvador Plascencia, a licensed physician.

Kenneth Iwamasa (who was Perry’s personal assistant), Erik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez were also charged separately, theDepartment of Justiceannounced.

“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves,” Estrada alleged.

The defendants also allegedly texted about distributing drugs to Perry, Estrada claimed.

According to the DoJ, Plasencia allegedly contacted Chavez – who was also a doctor and previously operated a ketamine clinic – to obtain the substance to sell to Perry. In text messages to Chavez, Plasencia allegedly discussed how much to charge Perry for the ketamine, stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Lets [sic] find out,” the DoJ claimed.

Perry’s live-in assistant Iwamasa admitted to"repeatedly" injecting Perry with ketamine, including on the day he died, “without medical training,” the DoJ stated.

Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Chavez will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, the DoJ announced, while Fleming pleaded to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.

Sangha is facing a slew of charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine and five counts of distribution of ketamine, per the DoJ. Plasencia is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. They will both be arraigned later on Aug. 15.

Los Angeles Police Department Matthew Shields accused the defendants of “knowingly and willingly” giving Perry ketamine despite being aware of his struggles with substance abuse.

Matthew Perry.Newsmakers/Getty

Newsmakers/Getty

At the time of his death, Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, according toan autopsyreleased in December.

Despite the initial investigation being closed, authorities began looking intothe circumstances surrounding his deathin May, LAPD told PEOPLE at the time.

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

source: people.com