Five people have been charged over the death of 'Friends' actor Matthew Perry in the US.
The 54-year-old was found dead in a swimming pool at his California home in October 2023.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office attributed his death to the acute effects of ketamine - a sedative that can be used as a recreational drug, as well as to treat depression.
Salvador Plasencia, a medical doctor known as 'Dr P', is one of five defendants charged in relation to his death.
Others charged include Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'Ketamine Queen', Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in personal assistant, Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of the TV star and another doctor, Mark Chavez.
Two of those charged - including one of the doctors - have been arrested, US Attorney Martin Estrada said.
Two defendants, including Mr Iwamasa, have pleaded guilty to charges already. A third has agreed to plead guilty, he said.
A grand jury indictment filed in California alleges Dr Plasencia sold ketamine and paraphernalia such as syringes to Matthew Perry's assistant and taught him how to inject the drug, after the actor developed an addiction while seeking mental health treatment.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrator Anne Milgram said: "Matthew Perry sought treatment for depression and anxiety and went to a local clinic where he became addicted to intravenous ketamine.
"When clinic doctors refused to increase his dosage, he turned to unscrupulous doctors who saw Perry as a way to make quick money."
Matthew Perry arrives at the LA Premiere of 'Ride' on 28-4-15. Image: Associated Press/AlamyProsecutors allege Dr Plasencia was "charging Perry $2,000 (€1,821) a vial that cost Dr Chavez approximately $12 (€10.93)".
Across a two-week period in early October 2023, Dr Plasencia received $32,000 (€29,147) from Mr Iwamasa - including $21,500 (€19,583) in cash - in exchange for ketamine, the indictment claims.
Prosecutors say Matthew Perry suffered a health scare on October 12th, when he "froze up" and suffered high blood pressure after being injected with a "large dose" of the tranquiliser.
"Let's not do that again," 'Dr. P' wrote to Mr Iwamasa after the incident.
In the days leading up to Perry's death, his assistant was administering "at least six shots" of ketamine to the actor a day, according to the court document.
Mr Iwamasa injected "at least three shots" of ketamine to the actor on October 28th 2023, "resulting in [his] death and serious bodily injury", it said.
Mr Iwamasa is the one who found Matthew Perry dead in his California home.
'They took advantage of his addiction'
The prosecutor said the defendants exchanged messages referencing ketamine as the cause of Perry's death soon after it happened.
At a press conference announcing on charges, US Attorney Estrada said they also tried to cover up their involvement in supplying the actor with the drug.
"These defendants took advantage of Mr Perry's addiction issues to enrich themselves," he said.
Matthew Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to treat depression and anxiety, but his last session took place more than a week prior to his death, a post-mortem report found in December.
Friends cast Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc in 2003. Image: Collection Christophel / AlamyThe report said the amount of ketamine in his blood was in the range used for general anesthetic during surgery.
He had been open about his battle with substance abuse and addiction and also set up a sober living facility for men with similar issues.
A separate foundation was set up after his death to help others struggling with the disease in his memory.
Other contributing factors to his death included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, which can be used to treat opioid use disorder, the post-mortem said.
Following news of the charges on Thursday the Morrison family, which includes Matthew Perry's mother and stepfather Keith Morrison, told NBC: "We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew's death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously.
"We look forward to justice taking its course."
Tributes poured in for Perry in the days after his death, including from his co-stars.
'Friends' actors Matt LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow were also among 20 mourners at his funeral in the Hollywood Hills last November.
Reporting by: IRN
