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Multiple people have reportedly been arrested in connection to the death of ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry. The actor passed away on October 28, 2023.
According to TMZ, “multiple arrests” have been made in the investigation into the death of the 54-year-old actor. The outlet reportedly received the exclusive update from “law enforcement sources.” Furthermore, the sources explained that “multiple law enforcement agencies” executed search warrants, which led to the seizure of “computers, phones, and other electronic equipment.”
The equipment apparently allowed authorities to “determine who supplied Perry with the ketamine that caused him to lose consciousness… and drown in his hot tub.”
The outlet notes that Perry had been prescribed ketamine as a treatment for his anxiety and depression. However, the excessive amount of ketamine found in his system at the time of his death “was not doctor-prescribed.”
Furthermore, the equipment seized in the search reportedly showed correspondence of those who conspired to give the substance to Perry. TMZ ultimately reports that “at least 1 doctor has been arrested, along with several dealers.”
As The Shade Room previously reported, Perry was found unresponsive after drowning in a jacuzzi inside his California home. At the time, it was reported that no drugs were found at the scene, and no foul play was suspected.
Perry’s unexpected passing prompted social media users’ outpour of support and condolences.
Then, in December 2023, an autopsy report confirmed drowning as the cause of Perry’s death, per The Shade Room. At the time, the report also attributed the actor’s death to the “acute effects of ketamine,” per PEOPLE.
According to NBC News, federal authorities are expected to “unseal” an indictment against the arrested individuals sometime on Thursday, August 15. PEOPLE reports that it has confirmed the upcoming press conference with a rep. for the Department of Justice. Additionally, the outlet asserts that “it is unclear what charges” the group “could face.”
Meanwhile, NBC News notes that a statement has been received from a member of Perry’s family in reaction to the case’s update.
“We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew’s death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously,” the statement reportedly reads. “We look forward to justice taking its course.”
Authorities streamed a live press conference at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 15. During the conference, officials confirmed that an “in-depth” investigation was launched following Perry’s death. This reportedly unveiled a large-scale drug network that supplied substances to Perry and other actors for alleged financial benefit.
“This investigation focused on who supplied the ketamine to Mr. Perry,” the official explained.
The official added that two doctors named Mark Chavez and Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, were allegedly involved in the scheme. Between September and October 2023, the trio reportedly gave vials of ketamine to Perry in exchange for a total of $11,000. According to TVLine, Jasveen Sangha, reportedly known as “the Ketamine Queen,” supplied the substance, while Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry, reportedly assisted amid the scheme.
Additionally, the official explained that the individuals were aware that the substance was harming Perry. However, they made a decision to continue supplying the substance to the actor.
Furthermore, the official confirmed that a total of five individuals are now facing “drug distribution,” “distribution of ketamine resulting in death,” “altering and falsifying records,” and other charges. In addition to supplying ketamine, it is alleged that the suspects ran an “emporium” supplying other drug substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, Xanax, and “other illegally prescribed drugs.”
The official even alleged that the group tried to “cover up” their actions following media reports of Perry’s death.
Lastly, the official noted that defendants Chavez, Iwamasa, and Fleming have submitted plea agreements for consideration. Furthermore, they noted that the individuals involved could face varying sentences of up to life in prison.
This is a developing story. Please check back in with The Shade Room for more updates.
