Perry was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in October 2023. Investigators determined his death was caused by the acute effects of ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic with hallucinogenic effects that is supposed to be administered only by a physician. Perry had struggled with substance addiction for decades and had been taking ketamine as part of supervised therapy for depression.
Five defendants, including two doctors, were charged in connection with Perry's death. Sangha and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, also known as 'Dr.
P', were arrested and charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Sangha is also charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine. The superseding indictment alleges that Sangha’s distribution of ketamine on October 24, 2023, caused Perry’s death.
Plasencia is charged with seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation. Both were expected to be arraigned in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. US officials said Sangha is one of five people, including doctors and Perry's assistant, who supplied ketamine to Perry.
My poor decisions have shattered people's lives. I am deeply ashamed and sorrowful.
Sangha initially denied the charges but changed her plea to guilty in August, weeks before trial. The judge noted Sangha showed no remorse in the years since her arrest. Federal authorities found dozens of ketamine vials during a raid at Sangha's home and accused her of supplying the drug from her 'stash house' since at least 2019.
Prosecutors described Sangha's North Hollywood home as a 'drug-selling emporium'. The justice department said Sangha pleaded guilty to selling ketamine to Cody McLaury in August 2019, who died hours later from a drug overdose. Several letters in support of Sangha were filed in court by family and friends.
Sangha's lawyers requested a more lenient sentence, arguing she accepted responsibility and had no prior record. Dr. Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Dr. Mark Chavez was sentenced to eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release. A fourth person has been sentenced for involvement in Perry's death, though the identity and specific role of this individual remain unclear.
The investigation revealed that Perry's assistant and an acquaintance were among those who facilitated the procurement of ketamine, with the acquaintance acting as a middleman between the doctors and Perry. Authorities stated that the defendants took advantage of Perry's addiction struggles for financial gain, with Plasencia allegedly teaching the assistant how to inject Perry with ketamine. The case has highlighted the dangers of unsupervised ketamine use and the legal consequences for those who supply it outside medical settings.