Doctors Arrested for Matthew Perry Drug Death Allegedly Texted Each Other: DOJ
As the investigation continues into the death of beloved Friends actor Matthew Perry, shocking details have emerged from the Department of Justice regarding the circumstances leading to his unfortunate passing.
The Accusations & Charges
The DOJ has brought charges against five individuals, accused of exploiting Perry’s substance addiction and subsequently orchestrating a cover-up of their alleged involvement in his death in October 2023. Among those facing charges are Jasveen Sangha, also known as “The Ketamine Queen”, and Dr. Salvador Plascencia, both alleged suppliers of the drug ketamine.
Also implicated in the charges are Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s personal assistant, Erik Fleming, and Dr. Mark Chavez, each facing separate allegations according to the DOJ announcement.
Alleged Conspiracy and Exploitation
The DOJ claims that these individuals knowingly supplied ketamine to the actor, capitalizing on his addiction issues. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada commented, “These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves.”
The defendants are also allegedly guilty of discussing their plan to distribute drugs to Perry via text. The DOJ cites a specific exchange in which Plasencia contacted Chavez, another practitioner who previously operated a ketamine clinic, to discuss their pricing strategy for Perry. Disturbingly, Plasencia is accused of texting, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Let’s [sic] find out,” implying a clear intention to exploit the actor’s vulnerability for financial gain.
The Role of Perry’s Assistant
Perry’s live-in assistant, Iwamasa, has admitted to “repeatedly” injecting Perry with ketamine, including on the day he died, despite having no medical training, a disturbing revelation from the DOJ. Iwamasa has subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
The Aftermath and Implications of Guilt
In the wake of the charges, Chavez and Fleming have pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine each. In Fleming’s case, an additional charge of distribution of ketamine resulting in death has been leveled.
Meanwhile, Sangha and Plasencia face a flurry of charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Sangha faces an additional five counts of distribution of ketamine, with Plasencia charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Both are slated to be arraigned later.
Should they be found guilty, this case will stand as a stark warning against the unethical and illegal practices lurking in the medical profession, exemplifying the need for rigorous oversight and strict adherence to medical ethics.
Final Words
The beloved actor, known to millions as Chandler Bing on the hit television show Friends, had a long, public battle with addiction before his untimely death.
At the time of his death, Perry was reportedly undergoing ketamine infusion therapy. His postmortem autopsy report disclosed that the primary cause of death was the acute effects of the drug and was classified as an accidental overdose.
For those struggling with substance abuse issues, please reach out to a SAMHSA hotline at 1-800-662-HELP. Remember, there is always help available, and there is no shame in seeking it.
