The tragic passing of Matthew Perry, the beloved “Friends” actor, led to a significant legal pursuit of those involved in supplying him with the ketamine that caused his death. The legal chapter concluded with the sentencing of his personal assistant, the last among five individuals who admitted their roles in the unlawful drug activities.
Kenneth Iwamasa
Kenneth Iwamasa, 60, was Matthew Perry’s live-in personal assistant. Despite being employed to support Perry’s sobriety, Iwamasa was deeply involved in procuring and administering ketamine to him. According to his plea deal, Iwamasa injected Perry with ketamine six to eight times daily during his final days.
Perry’s death occurred after Iwamasa administered multiple doses and left him alone, later discovering him deceased in his hot tub. An autopsy confirmed ketamine’s acute effects as the primary cause of death, with drowning as a secondary factor.
Iwamasa admitted to purchasing the drugs, guided by Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who instructed him on injecting Perry. Initially, Iwamasa denied his involvement and destroyed evidence but eventually cooperated, becoming a key informant for prosecutors.
Charge: Conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
Sentence: 3 years and 5 months in prison.
Statement: “Kenny at all times acted at the direction of Mr. Perry…and as his employee, Kenny wishes he could have had the strength to push back and say no,” said defense lawyer Alan Eisner.
Jasveen Sangha
Dubbed “The Ketamine Queen” by prosecutors, Jasveen Sangha was identified as a major drug dealer who supplied the fatal dose of ketamine to Perry. Despite her lawyers disputing the nickname, Sangha admitted to running a large drug operation, which also led to the death of another individual in 2019.
Sangha, 42, had no prior convictions but was actively dealing drugs from her residence. Her extensive education and affluent social life were presented as either evidence of her potential or her drive for wealth and status, depending on the courtroom perspective.
Charge: Distribution of ketamine, resulting in death, among others.
Sentence: 15 years in prison.
Statement: Sangha acknowledged her actions’ devastating impact, admitting, “These were not mistakes. They were horrible decisions.”
Erik Fleming
Once a drug addiction counselor, Erik Fleming fell back into substance abuse and facilitated Perry’s access to ketamine. He connected Perry with Sangha and profited from selling 50 vials, including a large batch just before Perry’s death.
Fleming was identified early in the investigation and cooperated with authorities, providing critical information about Sangha’s operations.
Charge: Distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
Sentence: 2 years in prison.
Statement: Fleming expressed remorse, stating, “This grievous failure will haunt me forever.”
Dr. Salvador Plasencia
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, known as “Dr. P,” was implicated for selling ketamine to Perry while under the guise of medical treatment. Despite Perry’s adverse reactions, Plasencia continued the supply, contributing to the chain of events leading to Perry’s death.
Having willingly relinquished his medical license, Plasencia expressed deep regret at his sentencing.
Charge: Distribution of ketamine.
Sentence: 2.5 years in prison.
Statement: Plasencia, tearful, reflected on the impact of his actions, particularly concerning his son.
Dr. Mark Chavez
Dr. Mark Chavez, from San Diego, was responsible for obtaining ketamine, later sold by Plasencia to Perry. Chavez obtained the drug under false pretenses and has since given up his medical license.
Charge: Conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
Sentence: 8 months of home confinement.
Statement: Chavez expressed condolences to Perry’s family at his sentencing.
