The US Attorney’s Office has filed charges against five individuals linked to the tragic passing of renowned actor Matthew Perry in 2023. The charges, disclosed at a press conference held in Los Angeles on Thursday morning, shed light on an underground network of drug vendors and suppliers allegedly responsible for dispensing the fatal substance, ketamine, which led to Perry’s demise.
Among the accused are two medical practitioners, Perry’s live-in aide, and an individual identified as “The Ketamine Queen,” as outlined in a statement from the US Attorney’s office. US Attorney Martin Estrada highlighted that the defendants exploited Perry’s struggles with addiction, emphasizing their awareness of the wrongful nature of their actions.
While three of the charged individuals have entered into plea agreements, the remaining two, Dr. Salvador Plasencia from Santa Monica, California, and Jasveen Sangha, who purportedly operated a drug distribution network from her residence, were indicted on Wednesday. Plasencia, facing multiple charges including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of ketamine, and falsifying records, pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial on October 8.
Sangha, who pleaded not guilty to various counts related to ketamine distribution, was deemed a flight risk by prosecutors due to her dual citizenship and was ordered to remain in custody. The defense attorneys for Plasencia and Sangha have been approached for comment by CNN.
In response to the accusations, Plasencia’s attorney, Stefan Sacks, contested the allegations, asserting that Perry’s ketamine treatment was medically supervised and unrelated to the ketamine involved in his demise. Sacks underscored that there was no criminality in the medical care provided by Dr. Plasencia.
Matthew Perry, recognized for his role as Chandler Bing in the television series “Friends,” tragically passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. The actor’s autopsy revealed that his death was a consequence of ketamine’s acute effects followed by drowning.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram, in a press release, emphasized the collaborative efforts to combat illicit drug distribution, underscoring the need to hold accountable those responsible for circulating harmful substances. Perry’s journey, marked by struggles with addiction, was further elucidated during the announcement of charges, where it was disclosed that Perry had relapsed in Fall 2023.
The intricate web of events leading to Perry’s untimely demise, orchestrated by individuals entrusted with his care, paints a grim picture of betrayal and exploitation. As legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of substance abuse and the imperative of upholding professional ethics in the medical field.
The profound impact of Perry’s passing reverberated through the entertainment industry, with his former colleagues from “Friends” expressing profound grief over the loss. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death continue, with authorities delving into the supply chain of the lethal drugs and the actors involved in Perry’s tragic final chapter.
