Welcome to my other blog”Charges Filed in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Death: Alleged Criminal Network Involved in Supplying Ketamine”. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced significant developments in the investigation of Matthew Perry’s death at a Thursday morning press conference. Federal charges have been brought against two medical doctors. Perry’s live-in assistant, and an individual known as “the Ketamine Queen,” all of whom are accused of supplying the actor with ketamine prior to his passing.
Investigation Reveals Underground Drug Network
Following the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s determination that Matthew Perry’s death was due to “acute effects of ketamine,” a criminal investigation was launched. Estrada revealed that the probe uncovered a “broad underground criminal network responsible for distributing large quantities of ketamine” to Perry and others. The investigation, involving multiple agencies including the Los Angeles Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Postal Service, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, led to the indictment of five individuals.
“This network,” Estrada stated, “included a live-in assistant, various intermediaries, two medical doctors, and a primary supplier referred to as ‘the Ketamine Queen. These defendants exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction to enrich themselves. They were fully aware of the risks their actions posed to Mr. Perry’s life. Yet chose to prioritize profit over his well-being.”
Perry’s Relapse and the Role of Ketamine
Perry, who had long been open about his struggles with addiction, reportedly relapsed in the fall of 2023. Anne Milgram, DEA Administrator. Explained that Perry had developed an addiction to “intravenous ketamine” after seeking treatment for anxiety and depression. When his doctors refused to increase his dosage, Perry turned to street dealers to satisfy his growing dependency.
“As Matthew Perry’s ketamine addiction escalated, he sought faster and cheaper sources,” Milgram said. “This led him to buy from street dealers, whose ketamine ultimately caused his death. The individuals charged today bear responsibility for that tragic outcome.”
Indictments and Charges
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has disclosed. That three of the five individuals charged have already pleaded guilty or agreed to do so. The individuals charged include:
- Jasveen Sangha, aka “the Ketamine Queen”: Accused of supplying the ketamine that caused Perry’s death, Sangha was arrested on Thursday and awaits arraignment. She faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine, and several counts of ketamine distribution.
- Dr. Salvador Plasencia: Allegedly distributed ketamine to Perry and his live-in assistant without a legitimate medical purpose. Plasencia faces charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Multiple counts of ketamine distribution, and falsifying records related to the federal investigation.
- Erik Fleming: Charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death. Fleming admitted to providing 50 vials of ketamine to Perry’s assistant. With half of the supply delivered just days before Perry’s death.
- Kenneth Iwamasa: Perry’s live-in assistant, who admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training. Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
- Dr. Mark Chavez: Admitted in his plea agreement to selling ketamine to Plasencia. And agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
Legal Consequences and Additional Details
Sangha, if convicted on all charges, could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Plasencia meanwhile, faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each ketamine-related count and up to 20 years for each records falsification charge.
Court documents revealed communications between Plasencia and Chavez discussing the sale of ketamine to Perry. With Plasencia referring to the actor in derogatory terms while contemplating the price. Sangha, aware of the dangers associated with ketamine, reportedly sold the drug to another victim who overdosed in August 2019.
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Understanding Ketamine and Its Effects
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, has become a popular mental health treatment and a street drug. Perry’s autopsy indicated that the ketamine levels in his body were consistent with those used for general anesthesia. Far exceeding the dosage from his prescribed treatment. The coroner’s report also listed drowning, coronary artery disease. And the effects of buprenorphine—an opioid addiction treatment drug—as contributing factors in Perry’s death, which was ruled accidental.
The tragic loss of Matthew Perry, compounded by the exploitation of his vulnerability by those around him, highlights the devastating impact of addiction and the dangers of unregulated drug distribution networks. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings underscore the seriousness of these crimes and the need for accountability.