Matthew Perry Death: Doctors And Actor's Assistant Charged In Drug Investigation, Revealing "Underground Criminal Network"

A few doctors and Matthew Perry's assistant have been charged in the actor's death case.

Entertainment Desk
Written By: Entertainment Desk
Updated: August 16, 2024 | 11:10 IST
Matthew Perry
A few doctors and Matthew Perry's assistant have been charged in the actor's death case.

Five arrests have been made amidst the ongoing drug investigation into the death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry. As per Variety, the Department of Justice said that an investigation has revealed a "broad underground criminal network", including Perry’s assistant and doctors, who “took advantage” of the actor by selling him ketamine. “This network included a live-in assistant, various go-betweens, two medical doctors and a major source of drug supply known as ‘The Ketamine Queen,'” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, announcing the charges, as reported by Variety. 

“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong. They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr. Perry, but they did it anyways. In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being," he added. 

As per Variety, the lead defendants in the case are doctor Salvador Plasencia and drug trafficker Jasveen Sangha. The duo worked with doctor Mark Chavez, Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and a “broker” named Erik Fleming to obtain ketamine and sell it to Matthew Perry.

Chavez, Iwasama, and Fleming have pleaded guilty to various charges.

For the unversed, Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023, aged 54. 

Matthew Perry is best known for his character Chandler Bing in the uber-popular sitcom 'Friends'. In his memoir 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing', Matthew Perry had opened up about his challenges with addiction.

In an interview with People Magazine in 2022, Matthew Perry said, "I had to wait until I was pretty safely sober—and away from the active disease of alcoholism and addiction—to write it all down. I was pretty certain that it would help people if I did.”

Matthew Perry had gained worldwide recognition for his role as Chandler Bing on 'Friends'. 'Friends' ran for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004. He had also earned an Emmy nomination in 2002 for his performance. 

As per Variety, Matthew Perry grappled with a long struggle with substance abuse and it stunted his career.

Post a Comment