Late actor Matthew Perry's former live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is facing accusations from U.S. federal prosecutors of attempting to destroy evidence linked to the ketamine investigation surrounding Perry's death. According to recently filed court documents, prosecutors claim Iwamasa entered what they described as “damage-control mode” immediately after the death of the beloved Friends star.
Allegations of Evidence Tampering
Authorities allege that Iwamasa directed another individual to dispose of ketamine-related evidence, including syringes and vials. He is also accused of shredding documents and deleting digital records associated with the case. The filing further states that Iwamasa repeatedly provided false information to investigators during the inquiry.
Concealment of Injections
Prosecutors assert that Iwamasa initially hid the fact that he had administered multiple ketamine injections to Perry on the day of the actor's death. He later claimed Perry had hidden ketamine bottles, a version of events that federal authorities dispute.
According to the court documents, Iwamasa instructed a person identified as “B.M.” to remove ketamine vials and syringes after Perry died. Investigators also allege he ordered the destruction of a ketamine prescription document and a handwritten note that referenced Salvador Plasencia as a source of the drug.
Admission of Cleanup
Court filings claim that Iwamasa later admitted aspects of the alleged cleanup during a phone conversation with alleged intermediary Erik Fleming. During that call, Iwamasa reportedly stated that he had “cleaned up the scene,” disposed of evidence, deleted information, and changed passwords on Perry’s devices.
Prosecutors rejected arguments suggesting Iwamasa was simply acting under Perry’s instructions. Instead, they argued that he abused the trust placed in him by both the actor and his family during Perry’s struggles with addiction.
Legal Consequences
In 2024, Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death as part of an agreement with federal prosecutors. Authorities are reportedly seeking a prison sentence of 41 months, with sentencing scheduled for Wednesday.
