Matthew Perry’s assistant and also two other persons including the two doctors have been charged in connection with the procurement of ketamine that caused his death.
Court documents filed in California claim Perry’s assistant along with a friend got together with two medical professionals plus a narcotic trafficker to secure thousands of dollars in ketamine for Perry who had long history of substance abuse according to federal court documents filed in California.
Key points of the indictment
Defendants’ roles: The indictment explains how Jasveen Sangha, known as “the Ketamine Queen,” and Dr Salvador Plasencia were obtaining and distributing ketamine. NYT reported that Sangha maintained a safe house at North Hollywood. Matthew Perry was well known by Plasencia from being served at an urgent care center where he was working as a doctor but still supplied him with drugs despite being aware of his drug abuse problem.
Charges and evidence: Conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution resulting in death, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine are among charges pressed against Plasencia and Sangha. NYT said that it is seen from the court papers that Plascencia made derogatory texts about Perry such as “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Let’s find out.”
Use and abuse of ketamine: Ketamine has gained popularity as a mental health treatment but people also misuse it recreationally. This led to intravenous use of the drug since Perry had sought help for depression and anxiety previously. The autopsy indicated that Perry’s level of ketamine was within anesthesia levels.
Guilty pleas and sentences: Erik Fleming, who knew Matthew Perry, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine which resulted his death from overdose. Dr Mark Chavez confessed selling Plasencia some quantities of Ketamine while Kenneth Iwamasa gave Matthew an injection using the same drug. Fleming faces up to 25 years imprisonment whereas Iwamasa may be sentenced for 15 years. Chavez will be arraigned on August 30 and faces up to 10 years in prison.
Investigation details: The DEA and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case. In March, Sangha’s house was raided and a seizure of 79 bottles of ketamine, nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine and other drugs were made.
Financial exploitation: Exorbitant prices for ketamine were alleged against Plasencia and Sangha. At some point, they went ahead to charge Matthew Perry $2,000 per vial whereas each vial cost around $12.
Legal proceedings: Not guilty pleas have been entered by Sangha and Plasencia. Currently, Sangha is being held without bail, while Plasencia’s bond has been set at one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Their trials are scheduled to take place in October.
