Multiple people charged in connection to Matthew Perry’s death

Five people have been accused of being involved in the death of actor Matthew Perry in 2023, according to the US Attorney's Office.

The accusations were revealed on Thursday morning during a media event in Los Angeles. Authorities claim to have discovered a secret organization of drug dealers and suppliers who are believed to be responsible for supplying the lethal drug ketamine that led to Perry's death.

The people being accused in this case consist of two medical professionals, Perry's personal assistant who lives with him, and an individual known as "The Ketamine Queen," as stated in a press release from the US Attorney's office.

US Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the individuals exploited Mr. Perry's struggles with addiction.

"They were fully aware that their actions were not right," Estrada stated.

Three out of the five individuals facing charges have agreed to a plea deal.

The other two people accused are Dr. Salvador Plasencia from Santa Monica, California, and Jasveen Sangha, who according to Estrada, managed a big operation selling drugs from her house. They were charged on Wednesday, as announced by the US Attorney.

CNN has made contact with the lawyers representing Plasencia and Sangha.

The famous actor who played Chandler Bing on the popular show "Friends" passed away in October 2023 at 54 years old. Perry was discovered unconscious in a jacuzzi at his home in Pacific Palisades. The actor's cause of death was determined to be a combination of ketamine overdose and drowning, according to the autopsy report from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office.

Anne Milgram, the head of the DEA, talked about how Matthew Perry was taken advantage of by dishonest doctors who only cared about making money. They gave him harmful drugs like ketamine. The DEA is constantly working with other agencies to stop drug dealers and doctors who don't follow their duty to help patients.

CNN has contacted Perry's foundation and his co-stars from the show "Friends" to provide their thoughts on the charges revealed on Thursday.

When Estrada revealed the charges on Thursday, he mentioned that investigators think Perry started using drugs again in Autumn 2023 and highlighted Perry's susceptibility as someone in recovery from addiction.

Estrada claimed that Plasencia collaborated with Dr. Mark Chavez to provide Ketamine to Perry, who was then administered the drug by his assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, even though he wasn't trained in medicine.

Chavez, a 54-year-old physician from San Diego, has decided to admit guilt to one charge of conspiring to distribute ketamine, as stated in the press release.

Iwamasa, a 59-year-old resident of Toluca Lake, California, admitted guilt on August 7 to involvement in conspiring to distribute ketamine resulting in death, according to reports. Officials claim that Iwamasa administered several injections to Perry on October 28, 2023, the same day Perry passed away.

Eric Fleming, age 54, from Hawthorne, California, has admitted to being part of a plan to sell ketamine and to selling the drug, which caused someone to die. The US Attorney stated that Fleming also confessed to obtaining the ketamine from Sangha.

Estrada claimed that between September and October 2023, Perry was given around 20 doses of Ketamine which totaled approximately $55,000.

Plasencia saw a chance to make money off of Mr. Perry, according to Estrada. He mentioned in a text in September 2023, "I wonder how much money this idiot will give me?" He also said in texts that he wanted to be Mr. Perry's only supplier.

In his 2022 book, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," Perry shared his long battle with drug addiction over the years. He explained how his addiction started after a jet ski accident during the filming of "Fools Rush In" in 1997, where he was given Vicodin for pain relief.

Based on his memoir, Perry started taking 55 pills daily, leading to notable weight loss while filming "Friends." He acknowledged how hard it was to see his body change throughout the show.

"I was extremely skinny and feeling extremely overwhelmed by the illness," Perry penned.

Ketamine has become more popular for treating depression, anxiety, and pain lately. Perry's friends and family informed officials that he was receiving ketamine therapy before he died. He was seeing at least two doctors for treatment.

Milgram mentioned during the media briefing that Perry's desperate situation was not met with the appropriate assistance from doctors, as it should have been.

This breaking of trust is the main cause of this sad event.

She said, "Maybe the situation that occurred can benefit others and prevent unnecessary loss of life."

Many fans were stunned by the sudden passing of Perry, who was adored during his time on the popular show "Friends" from 1994 to 2004. He acted alongside Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow.

The cast members shared their grief over Matthew's passing by releasing a statement together. They expressed their deep sorrow and described themselves as not just colleagues, but a close-knit family.

"We have a lot on our minds right now, but we need some time to mourn and understand this incredible loss," stated their representatives. "We will share more when we are ready. Our hearts go out to Matty's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time."

In May, Capt. Scot Williams of the Los Angeles Police Department informed CNN that the investigation into Perry's death was still ongoing and involved criminal elements.

Williams mentioned that officials are investigating how Perry obtained the drugs and who possibly provided them. The investigation also involves the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Postal Inspection Service.

At the press conference, Estrada and Chief Choi both rejected the idea that they prioritized this investigation and pursued a comprehensive case due to Perry's financial situation.

"Each victim's life is important," stated Estrada.

This article is still developing and new updates will be added.

CNN’s Cheri Mossburg, Stephanie Elam, and Hannah Rabinowitz helped with writing this article.