These Are the 5 People Charged in Matthew Perry’s Death
These individuals are allegedly connected to the illegal supply of the drug that led to his overdose.
The death of Friends star Matthew Perry in October 2023 shocked fans around the world. He was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home, and the cause of death was later confirmed as the “acute effects of ketamine.” While he had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, the level found in his system suggested the presence of non-medical or recreational use.
After nearly eight months of investigation, federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against five individuals allegedly connected to the illegal supply of the drug that led to his overdose. Here’s what we know:
Who Are the People Charged?
According to People:
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Dr. Salvador Plasencia – A licensed physician from Santa Monica, he has admitted to illegally prescribing ketamine to Perry, including in “large, unregulated amounts.” He has agreed to plead guilty to four felony counts of drug distribution. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison, with sentencing expected later in 2025.
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Dr. Mark Chavez – He allegedly provided the ketamine to Dr. Plasencia and has also entered a plea deal, admitting to unlawful distribution of controlled substances. He could face up to 10 years in prison.
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Kenneth Iwamasa – Perry’s former personal assistant, accused of injecting Perry with ketamine on multiple occasions despite having no medical license. He has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and may serve up to 15 years.
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Erik Fleming – A former TV producer and self-described friend of Perry, he is accused of being a key figure in providing him with ketamine for non-medical use. Fleming has pleaded guilty and could face up to 25 years in prison.
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Jasveen Sangha – Known in legal documents as running a wider ketamine distribution ring in Los Angeles, Sangha has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, she could face life imprisonment. She is the only one of the five not cooperating with the investigation at this time.
Five People charged in the 🚨 Death Of Mathew Perry Investigation.
One of the doctors Salvador Plasencia accused over the ketamine-related death of Friends star Matthew Perry wrote in a text:
«I wonder how much this moron will pay» 💥💥💥💲 pic.twitter.com/S5uPkrr9H1— April Color (@ColorApril) August 15, 2024
What’s Next in the Legal Process?
Guilty pleas from Plasencia, Chavez, Fleming, and Iwamasa are expected to result in sentencing hearings by the end of 2025. In case of Sangha’s case, is proceeding toward trial, likely to begin later this year or early next. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that the case aims to hold individuals accountable for contributing to Perry’s death through negligent and illegal medical practices.
Why This Case Matters
Matthew Perry was open about his decades-long battle with addiction and had written candidly about his struggles in his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. His choice to explore ketamine therapy was legal and monitored—but as this case reveals, he may have also been exposed to dangerous, unregulated supply chains outside of the medical system.
The case highlights how easily controlled substances can be misused, even by professionals, and the legal consequences of facilitating such access.
This developing case is likely to spark more conversations around celebrity addiction, access to controlled substances, and the responsibilities of those in trusted positions. As Perry once wrote, he hoped his story could help others. Perhaps this case will serve as a wake-up call for safer, more accountable care.