Doctors And Assistant Indicted For Role In Matthew Perry’s Fatal Overdose
Matthew Perry’s death revealed a criminal network involving his doctors and assistant, who exploited his addiction by selling him ketamine.
The investigation into the death of Matthew Perry, the popular Friends star known for his role as Chandler Bing, has unearthed what officials have described as a "broad underground criminal network." Perry, who tragically passed away on October 28, 2023, at 54, was found in his hot tub, with his death initially attributed to acute effects of ketamine. Now, authorities reveal a wide-reaching criminal network that includes his doctors and assistant who allegedly preyed on his addiction.
Five arrests have been made in connection with Perry's death, including those of two doctors and his live-in assistant. The Department of Justice disclosed that this network operated under the radar, exploiting Perry’s vulnerability by selling him ketamine, a drug that ultimately led to his death. The U.S. Attorney’s Office detailed how Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, along with drug trafficker Jasveen Sangha – dubbed "The Ketamine Queen" – were involved in this nefarious scheme.
The investigation revealed the perpetrators engaged in a scheme to distribute approximately 20 vials of ketamine to Perry over the span of two months, charging him about $55,000 in total. Dr. Plasencia and his associates had a flagrant disregard for Perry’s well-being, as evidenced by text messages in which Plasencia mocked Perry’s situation, referring to him disparagingly and making light of the money he was willing to pay for the drug. In a particularly alarming revelation, Plasencia injected Perry with ketamine, witnessed his adverse reactions, yet continued to leave additional vials for Iwamasa – who lacked medical training to administer.
Perry, in his desperation, reportedly turned to street dealers for ketamine, which was ultimately the substance that led to his death. Iwamasa allegedly administered this batch of ketamine sold by street dealers on the day Perry died. The unethical and illegal practices extended to falsifying medical records and deleting incriminating messages post-mortem, as revealed in the investigation.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram emphasized the failure of the medical professionals who should have provided care and support but instead exploited Perry’s condition. The charges against the defendants include severe penalties, with Dr. Plasencia facing up to 120 years in federal prison.
The heart-wrenching irony of this situation is that Perry sought ketamine therapy to manage his depression and anxiety, only to fall prey to those who abused their positions of trust.
As Perry’s Friends co-stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, publicly mourn his loss, the disturbing details of the investigation serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges surrounding addiction. Perry’s legacy as a beloved actor is now intertwined with a sobering reality about the exploitation of those struggling with substance abuse.
This week, it was also announced that Kanye West is believed to have become addicted to nitrous oxide through his dentist. How many celebrities have been exploited by those close to them?
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