Late actor Matthew Perry’s assistant faces claims of evidence destruction

US Federal prosecutors have accused Kenneth Iwamasa of attempting to destroy evidence connected to the ketamine investigation surrounding the death of Matthew Perry. According to newly filed court documents, prosecutors allege Iwamasa went into what they described as “damage-control mode” immediately after the death of the Friends star.

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Authorities claim the former live-in assistant directed another individual to dispose of ketamine-related evidence, including syringes and vials, while also allegedly shredding documents and deleting digital records linked to the case. The filing further alleges that Iwamasa repeatedly provided false information to investigators during the inquiry.

Prosecutors say he initially concealed the fact that he had administered multiple ketamine injections to Perry on the day of the actor’s death and later claimed Perry himself had hidden ketamine bottles. Federal authorities dispute that version of events.

According to prosecutors, Iwamasa instructed a person identified in court filings 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 referencing Salvador Plasencia as a source of the drug.

Court filings additionally claim that Iwamasa later admitted aspects of the alleged cleanup during a phone conversation with alleged intermediary Erik Fleming, allegedly stating 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, arguing instead that he abused the trust placed in him by both the actor and his family during Perry’s struggles with addiction.

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.