Perry’s Assistant, Ketamine Queen Among Five Arrested

In a press conference held Thursday morning, federal authorities disclosed significant updates regarding the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death. The update revealed that Perry’s “live-in” assistant was part of an extensive network involved in ketamine distribution, leading to the beloved actor’s tragic demise.

The Friends star was discovered face down in his pool in October of last year. Following an autopsy confirming Perry died from acute ketamine effects, an in-depth investigation was launched to identify the drug’s source.

Martín Estrada, the United States attorney for the Central District of California, announced that federal criminal charges have been brought against five individuals in connection with Perry’s death. This follows recent reports of arrests in the case. Estrada noted that the investigation uncovered a vast, underground network responsible for distributing large quantities of ketamine to Perry and others.

According to Estrada, this network included Perry’s “live-in assistant,” Kenneth Iwamasa, whose LinkedIn profile lists him as “executive assistant to personal manager responsibilities for 25 years for client Matthew Perry.”

The five people charged are Iwamasa, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Jasveen Sangha (known as “the ketamine queen”), another doctor named Mark Chavez, and a Perry acquaintance named Erik Fleming. Authorities identified Plasencia and Sangha as the primary defendants.

Estrada detailed that Plasencia, an urgent care physician, collaborated with Iwamasa to supply ketamine to Perry. Between September and October 2023, they allegedly provided Perry with approximately 20 vials of ketamine for $55,000 in cash. Estrada also revealed text messages from Plasencia, reading aloud one message where Plasencia reportedly said, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”

Authorities discovered that Iwamasa, who lacked medical training, administered the ketamine injections to Perry. Additionally, Sangha worked with a broker, defendant Fleming, and Iwamasa to distribute the drugs. A search of Sangha’s home unearthed what Estrada referred to as a “drug-selling emporium,” containing “80 vials of ketamine, thousands of pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine, bottles of Xanax, and other illegally obtained prescription drugs.”

The defendants face charges including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of ketamine resulting in death, maintaining drug-involved premises, and falsifying records, among others.

Estrada emphasized, “These defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being,” and expressed hope that the charges would deliver a clear warning: “If you are in the business of selling dangerous drugs, we will hold you accountable for the deaths that you cause.”

Source: The Daily Beast