Crime Stories with Nancy Grace - "Ketamine Queen" Among Those Charged in Death of Matthew Perry | CRIME ALERT HOURLY UPDATE

Episode Date: August 15, 2024

Breaking crime news as it happens throughout the day! Follow "Crime Alert Hourly Update" now on your favorite podcast app: https://link.chtbl.com/Crime_Alert Today, details of the five individuals arrested in connection with actor Matthew Perry's death have been released. The suspects include two doctors and Perry's assistant.  Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an iHeart Podcast. you the latest in true crime. In just five minutes, we provide real-time updates on high-profile cases, missing person alerts, trial developments, and all the gripping true crime stories you need to know. Here's the latest episode. Be sure to follow the Crime Alert hourly update on your favorite podcast app. Crime Alert, I'm Jennifer Gould. Breaking crime news now, a dramatic twist in the investigation into the death of beloved star Matthew Perry. Federal authorities have charged five individuals, including Perry's personal assistant and two doctors in connection with the death of the star. The indictment reveals a web of deceit and exploitation as a way to make quick money. Here's U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. 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. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's longtime personal assistant, along with Dr. Mark Chavez, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Eric Fleming, and Jasveen Sangha, known in some circles as the, quote, ketamine queen, are facing serious allegations, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The office revealed that all five defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute ketamine, the drug that led to Perry's tragic death last October 28, 2023. Perry was found unresponsive in his Pacific Palisades hot tub, the official autopsy confirmed death from, quote, acute effects of ketamine combined with drowning.

Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, but investigators determined that the amount of ketamine in his system at the time of death far exceeded what would have been expected from such a therapy. Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has gained notoriety for its off-label use in treating depression and anxiety. However, misuse of the drug can be dangerous, leading to several health risks and even death, as tragically evidenced in Perry's case. That revelation sparked an extensive investigation involving multiple agencies,

including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and local law enforcement. The indictment details a disturbing operation involving code names for ketamine, which was referred to as, quote, Dr. Pepper, cans, and bots among the accused. Investigators uncovered that Iwamasa allegedly administered over 20 ketamine shots in the last four days of Perry's life for $55,000 in cash, even though he knew Perry was spiraling out of control. Here's U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada again. Defendant Placentia saw this as an opportunity to profit off of Mr. Perry.

He wrote in a text message in September 2023, quote, I wonder how much this moron will pay. In the meantime, Sangha's residence was also reportedly raided, revealing a treasure trove of drugs including 80 miles of ketamine, meth pills, cocaine, and Xanax, according to authorities. Prosecutors are charging the group with conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining drug-involved premises, and falsifying records. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada condemned the accused and sent a powerful message at the news conference saying, quote, If you profit from dangerous drugs and exploit those in need, you will be held accountable, end quote. The investigation is ongoing.

For the latest crime and justice news, follow the Crime Alert hourly update on your favorite podcast app. With this Crime Alert, I'm Jennifer Gould. Stay informed, stay safe and stay ahead this Crime Alert, I'm Jennifer Gould. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with Crime Alert hourly update. Follow the podcast now on your favorite podcast app. This is an iHeart Podcast.