Five Charged in Connection with Actor Matthew Perry's Death, Allegations of Gross Negligence
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that five individuals have been charged in connection with the 2023 death of beloved actor Matthew Perry. The charges, unveiled during a press conference in Los Angeles, allege that the defendants were part of an underground network responsible for distributing the ketamine that led to Perry’s tragic death.
Among those charged are two doctors, Perry’s live-in personal assistant, and a figure referred to by authorities as “The Ketamine Queen.” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants "took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues," fully aware of the harmful consequences of their actions.
Three of the five defendants have already reached plea agreements. The remaining two, Dr. Salvador Plasencia of Santa Monica, California, and Jasveen Sangha, who allegedly operated a drug-selling operation out of her home, were indicted on Wednesday. Plasencia has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and falsifying records related to the federal investigation. He was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond and surrendered his DEA license. Sangha, who also pleaded not guilty, remains in detention after the judge revoked her bond, citing her as a significant flight risk due to her dual U.S. and British citizenship and extensive international travel.
Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show "Friends," died in October 2023 at the age of 54. He was found in his jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades home, and an autopsy confirmed that he died from the acute effects of ketamine, leading to his subsequent drowning. The lawsuit alleges that Perry’s final days were filled with "terror and mental anguish" as he realized the severity of his situation.
The prosecution claims that over two months, Perry was supplied with approximately 20 vials of ketamine at a cost of $55,000. Estrada revealed that text messages between Plasencia and other defendants showed a clear intention to exploit Perry for financial gain. In one message, Plasencia reportedly questioned, "I wonder how much this moron will pay?" and expressed a desire to be Perry’s sole drug supplier.
Perry’s struggles with addiction were well-documented, especially in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. He detailed how his substance abuse began after a jet ski accident in 1997 and eventually escalated to a severe dependence on various drugs, including prescription medications.
The charges against those involved in Perry’s death have sparked widespread outrage, with DEA Administrator Anne Milgram emphasizing the betrayal of trust by the medical professionals involved. "This betrayal of trust is at the heart of this tragedy," Milgram stated, highlighting the desperation that led Perry to seek help from these individuals, only to be met with exploitation.
The investigation into Perry’s death continues, with the Los Angeles Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service all involved. Despite the high-profile nature of the case, Estrada and LA Police Chief Dominic Choi emphasized that the focus on this investigation was not due to Perry’s celebrity status, but rather a commitment to ensuring that "every victim’s life counts."
Perry’s death was a significant loss, not just to his family and friends, but to millions of fans worldwide who adored his work on "Friends." His castmates released a joint statement expressing their devastation and referred to Perry as family.
