Biggest Revelations in Matthew Perry's Death Investigation from Arrests of Doctors to Alleged 'Cover Ups,' Per Prosecutors
Authorities have charged several people in connection with the 'Friends' alum's October 2023 death
Authorities in California are sharing more details about the arrests made in connection with the October 2023 death of Friends star Matthew Perry — including allegations that some of those arrested were aware that they were taking advantage of Perry for financial gain.
On Aug. 15, United States Attorney Martin Estrada announced that multiple people were charged in connection with Perry's death, including two doctors and his personal, liv-in assistant.
“Each of the defendants played a key role in his death," Anne Milgram of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration alleged at the Aug. 15 briefing that was live-streamed.
The former Friends star died on Oct. 28 at age 54 from an accidental drug overdose. Perry died from acute effects of ketamine, according to an autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE. Other contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects, referencing a medication used to treat opioid use disorder.
Related: Authorities Investigating Circumstances Surrounding Matthew Perry's Death from Fatal Ketamine Dose
Here's what to know:
Who are the defendants?
The five people arrested include Perry's personal assistant, two doctors and an alleged drug distributor who Estrada alleged "took advantage" of Perry for their own "profit."
Authorities named Jasveen Sangha, allegedly known as the "The Ketamine Queen," and Dr, Salvador Plascencia as the first two defendants in the case.
Perry's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa was also charged — and has already pleaded guilty — alongsideErik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez, the DoJ announced.
"These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves," Estrada said at the briefing. "In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well being."
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
Matthew PerryWhat are the charges?
The charges - and subsequent pleas by defendants - are different for each defendant, with Sangha facing multiple charges in connection with drug possession and distribution.
She is facing 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, the Department of Justice announced.
Plascencia is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Sangha and Plascencia will both be arraigned at a later date.
Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, per the DoJ.
Fleming pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Chavez will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, per the DoJ.
The defendants tried to 'cover up' evidence, officials say
The defendants were allegedly aware of how their actions were negatively impacting Perry's health and well-being but continued to provide him with the drugs, authorities said at the briefing.
Among other evidence, authorities say they found text exchanges where Sangha wrote, “I wouldn't do it if there wasn’t a chance of me making some money for doing this," Estrada claimed at the briefing.
He further alleged that the text exchanges revealed the defendants were allegedly aware that the manner in which they were administering the ketamine was not the proper way.
Following Perry's death, the defendants tried to "cover up" their involvement, Estrada claimed, adding that Sangha allegedly wrote in a text message to another defendant, "Delete all our messages."
The investigation
Thursday's announcement comes after a months-long investigation that involved the United States Attorney's Office, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Los Angeles Division.
The LAPD started looking into the star’s death in May after the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner closed its investigation.
In December, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner closed its investigation into his death, PEOPLE reported at the time. The manner of his death was ruled to be accidental.
After the medical examiner released its report on Perry's death, the LAPD launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his overdose death in December, the department confirmed to PEOPLE in May.
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Perry was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the 90s sitcom, Friends. Throughout his career, he spoke highly of the role that brought him — and fellow cast members, Jennifer Aniston. Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer — breakout fame.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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