Days Before Matthew Perry's Death, Ketamine Shot Caused Him to 'Freeze Up' So He Couldn't Talk or Move: Feds
Five people, including Matthew Perry's assistant, have been arrested on drug-related charges in connection with his death
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Matthew PerryIn the days leading up to his death in October 2023, Matthew Perry was allegedly being administered high doses of ketamine up to six to eight times a day — including on one occasion when he froze and couldn’t move, per prosecutors.
The Friends star died last Oct. 28 at 54 from the “acute effects" of ketamine in his Los Angeles, Calif., home, authorities previously said.
On Thursday, Aug. 15, the United States Attorney’s Office in California arrested five people, including Perry’s assistant, in connection with his death.
Jasveen Sangha — who authorities allege was known as the "The Ketamine Queen" — Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Perry's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez were arrested on several drug-related and conspiracy charges, per the DOJ.
Iwamasa, Fleming and Chavez have pleaded guilty to their respective charges, per authorities.
In Iwamasa’s plea agreement, authorities allege that Plasencia allegedly gave Perry “a large dose of ketamine” on Oct. 12, causing an “adverse medical reaction.”
The high dosage caused Perry to “freeze up” and he was unable to speak or move, per the plea agreement, which was reviewed by PEOPLE.
Earlier that day, prior to the dosage administered by Plasencia, Perry had just received ketamine infusion therapy from a medical doctor, which Iwamasa knew, per the agreement. However, Iwamasa still “requested” Plasencia to come to Perry’s home and give him more ketamine, the plea agreement says.
Authorities have alleged that all five detained individuals were aware that Perry had become severely addicted to ketamine again after previously overcoming his addiction, yet they continued to give him the drug.
"In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well being," U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said when announcing the charges on Thursday.
The defendants were allegedly aware that they were administering the ketamine in ways that were not “proper” and that their doses were negatively affecting Perry’s well-being, Estrada claimed.
According to Iwamasa's plea agreement, after Perry experienced the adverse reaction on Oct. 12, Plasencia allegedly messaged Iwamasa something along the lines of, "Let's not do that again."
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Matthew PerryBut according to Sangha’s indictment, despite knowing about Perry's reaction, Plasencia allegedly left “additional vials of ketamine” with Iwamasa that day.
Plasencia was allegedly paid an estimated $21,500 in cash for that day alone by Iwamasa, according to Sangha’s indictment.
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Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Chavez will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, while Fleming pleaded to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death, the DOJ announced.
Sangha is facing a slew of charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine and five counts of distribution of ketamine, per the DOJ.
Plasencia is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. It wasn't clear if Sangha or Plasencia have entered pleas.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP
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