A trial date has been scheduled for two individuals charged in connection with the death of beloved “Friends” actor Matthew Perry. Dr. Salvador Plasencia and alleged drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, also known as the “Ketamine Queen,” will face trial together. The trial is set to commence on March 4, 2025, following a pretrial hearing on February 19.
Plasencia and Sangha were arrested on August 15 and indicted on various charges, including falsifying medical records and conspiracy to distribute, according to the US Attorneys office. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Three other individuals involved in Perry’s death, Dr. Mark Chavez, Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and acquaintance Erik Fleming, have cooperated with prosecutors and reached plea agreements. Fleming and Iwamasa have sentencing dates scheduled for October and November, respectively.
Sangha remains in federal custody, while Plasencia is currently out on bond, as confirmed by the Department of Justice.
Matthew Perry passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54 due to the “acute effects” of ketamine and subsequent drowning, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy report. His lifeless body was discovered floating face down in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades residence.
Plasencia has been charged with 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. Prosecutors allege that Plasencia sold ketamine vials obtained from Chavez to Perry and Iwamasa outside the bounds of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Plasencia is also accused of teaching Iwamasa how to inject Perry with the drug and personally administering it to the actor on one occasion, despite being aware of his spiraling addiction. If convicted, Plasencia could face up to 10 years in federal prison for each ketamine-related count and up to 20 years for each falsification count.
Ketamine, aside from its legitimate medical uses, has gained popularity as a party drug, particularly within Hollywood circles. Ketamine clinics, like the one run by Dr. David Mahjoubi, utilize controlled doses of the drug in therapeutic settings to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, Mahjoubi emphasizes that individuals seeking to use ketamine recreationally often turn to street sources due to cost considerations.
In Perry’s case, when the ketamine clinic declined to increase his dosage, prosecutors allege that he turned to Plasencia and later to Sangha due to financial constraints. Sangha, referred to as the “Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood, operated a drug-selling operation from her residence, according to Fleming’s plea agreement. Authorities claim that Sangha continued to sell ketamine despite being aware of its dangers, even after it was linked to the overdose death of aspiring personal trainer Cody McLaury in August 2019. During the execution of search warrants at Sangha’s residence, federal agents and LAPD detectives discovered over 70 vials of ketamine, along with other illicit drugs obtained through fraudulent means. Sangha faces charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine, and distribution of ketamine. If convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
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A real-world application of the information discussed in the post could be the impact of high-profile legal cases on public awareness and discussions surrounding mental health and substance abuse. The trial of individuals charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death may lead to increased media coverage and public discourse about the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction, as well as the importance of mental health support. This could encourage advocacy for better resources and policies aimed at prevention and treatment, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for individuals dealing with similar issues