Trial Date Set for Two Individuals Charged in Matthew Perry’s Death
A trial date has been established for two of the five individuals charged in connection with the death of beloved “Friends” actor Matthew Perry. Dr. Salvador Plasencia and alleged drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, referred to by prosecutors as the “Ketamine Queen,” are set to stand trial together.
The trial is scheduled to commence on March 4, 2025, with a pretrial hearing slated for February 19. Both Plasencia and Sangha were arrested on August 15 and subsequently indicted on various charges, including falsifying medical records and conspiracy to distribute, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Sangha and Plasencia, accused of playing significant roles in Perry’s death through the distribution of ketamine during the actor’s final weeks, have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The three other individuals charged in relation to Perry’s death—Dr. Mark Chavez, Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and Perry’s acquaintance Erik Fleming—are cooperating with prosecutors and have reached plea agreements. Sentencing dates for Fleming and Iwamasa are set for October and November, respectively.
Sangha remains in federal custody, while Plasencia is currently out on bond, as reported by the Department of Justice.
Matthew Perry died in October 2023 at the age of 54 due to the “acute effects” of ketamine, as well as subsequent drowning, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy report. His body was discovered floating face down in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home.
Charges against Plasencia include one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distribution of ketamine, and two counts of altering and falsifying documents related to the federal investigation, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s office. He is accused of having sold vials of ketamine, obtained from Chavez, to Perry and Iwamasa “outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.”
Additionally, Plasencia is alleged to have instructed Iwamasa on how to inject Perry with the drug and is said to have personally injected Perry on one occasion, despite being informed about the actor’s deteriorating ketamine addiction.
If convicted, Plasencia may face up to 10 years in federal prison for each ketamine-related count, and up to 20 years for each falsification count. Although ketamine has legitimate medical uses, it has gained notoriety as a popular party drug.
Dr. David Mahjoubi, who operates a ketamine clinic, noted, “In Hollywood, you have parties you have after parties and people like to feel altered… it’s become popular in that circle.” Mahjoubi highlighted that clinics offer controlled doses for therapeutic purposes, but acknowledged that those seeking to get high off ketamine are likely to turn to street sources for cheaper alternatives.
When the ketamine clinic treating Perry refused to increase his dosage, prosecutors reveal that he first approached Plasencia, and later, due to cost, sought the services of Sangha. According to authorities, Sangha operated what resembled “a drug selling emporium” from her home and sold vials of ketamine to Fleming on Perry’s behalf.
Prosecutors assert that Sangha was aware of the dangers associated with ketamine but continued to sell the drug after being informed that her product contributed to the overdose death of aspiring personal trainer Cody McLaury in August 2019.
Following the execution of search warrants at Sangha’s residence, federal agents and LAPD detectives discovered over 70 vials of ketamine, as well as other “fraudulently obtained” and illegal drugs, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Sangha faces one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine. If convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.