Arrests Made In Aftermath Of Matthew Perry’s Death

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In a shocking turn of events, five individuals, including two doctors, a live-in assistant, and an alleged drug dealer dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” have been arrested in connection with the death of beloved *Friends* star Matthew Perry. The arrests, which occurred on Thursday, have unveiled a disturbing underground network accused of supplying the actor with the ketamine that ultimately led to his death in October 2023.

Among those charged are Doctors Salvador Plascencia, 42, and Mark Chavez, 54, alleged drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, 41—who earned the nickname “Ketamine Queen”—Perry’s live-in assistant, 59-year-old Kenneth Iwamasa, and drug dealer Eric Fleming, 54. The group is accused of exploiting Perry’s struggles with addiction, referring to him as a “moron” in text messages as they discussed how to further profit from his vulnerability.

Perry was tragically found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home last year. The coroner later determined that his death was caused by “the acute effects of ketamine,” a powerful anesthetic often misused as a recreational drug. Prosecutors claim that the ketamine Perry consumed on October 4, 2023, was supplied by Sangha, whose distribution of the drug directly led to his death.

The indictment against the group is explosive, alleging that they made tens of thousands of dollars by selling the narcotic to Perry. In one shocking instance, Perry was charged $2,000 for a vial of ketamine that cost just $12—a stark illustration of how the group preyed on the actor’s desperation.

Text messages included in the court filings reveal the extent of the conspiracy. Plascencia, one of the accused doctors, expressed a desire to become Perry’s primary supplier of ketamine, messaging Chavez, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” in reference to the star. These cruel communications paint a chilling picture of the group’s indifference to Perry’s well-being.

Sangha and Plascencia are now facing serious charges. Sangha, accused of operating what authorities describe as a “drugs emporium,” was found in possession of 79 vials of ketamine and over three pounds of various pills at her home. She faces one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, which could result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with a maximum potential sentence of life imprisonment.

Plascencia, meanwhile, faces seven counts of ketamine distribution and two counts of falsifying documents related to the federal investigation. Each ketamine-related charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years, while the falsification charges could add an additional 20 years per count.

The other defendants have already entered guilty pleas. Fleming admitted to obtaining ketamine from Sangha and passing it on to Iwamasa, who, despite lacking medical training, administered it to Perry. Fleming could face up to 25 years in federal prison, while Iwamasa could receive a sentence of up to 15 years.

Chavez, who was charged under a plea agreement, admitted to diverting medical supplies from his clinic to Plascencia by issuing fake prescriptions. He is scheduled to be arraigned on August 30 and could face up to 10 years in federal prison.

United States Attorney Martin Estrada commented on the case, stating, “These defendants cared more about profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being. Drug dealers selling dangerous substances are gambling with other people’s lives over greed.” Estrada’s remarks underscore the gravity of the charges and the message prosecutors aim to send—that those who profit from dangerous drugs at the expense of others’ lives will be held accountable.

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