“Ketamine Dealer Gets 15-Year Sentence in Matthew Perry’s Death”
A Los Angeles drug dealer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her involvement in the death of actor Matthew Perry. Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” pleaded guilty to multiple felony drug counts linked to Perry’s fatal overdose in October 2023.
Details of the Case
Perry passed away at 54 years old at his home in Los Angeles, where he was found face down in a hot tub. The autopsy revealed he died from the acute effects of ketamine. This powerful anesthetic was combined with other factors that led to his loss of consciousness and subsequent drowning.
Sangha, 42, admitted to operating a stash house for illegal narcotics out of her residence in North Hollywood. In September 2023, she pleaded guilty to five felony counts related to drug distribution and maintaining a drug-involved premises. During her sentencing, she showed remorse for her actions. Judge Sherilyn Garnett emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting that Sangha continued her drug activities for six months even after Perry’s death.
Key Players in the Case
- Jasveen Sangha: 15-year prison sentence for supplying ketamine.
- Matthew Perry: Actor known for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” died on October 28, 2023.
- Erik Fleming: Middleman dealer who sold ketamine to Perry’s personal assistant.
- Kenneth Iwamasa: Perry’s former assistant who injected him with ketamine.
- Doctors: Mark Chavez and Salvador Plasencia, both faced charges related to the distribution of ketamine.
Background on Matthew Perry
Perry was a beloved actor who struggled with substance abuse issues throughout his life, even during his rise to fame in the 1990s. His memoir, released a year prior to his death, detailed his battle with addiction to painkillers and alcohol. Although he reportedly achieved sobriety, he had been receiving medically supervised ketamine infusions for mental health issues before turning to illicit sources for the drug.
Legal Outcomes and Sentencing Disparities
Sangha’s 15-year sentence stands in stark contrast to the leniency shown to other co-defendants in the case. Two doctors involved received minimal sentences, highlighting a disparity in culpability. Sangha’s defense attorney argued that her role was not as severe as that of the person who directly injected Perry with ketamine.
As the investigation continues, Perry’s tragic death raises awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and the ripple effect it has on families and communities. Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, spoke of the joy Perry brought to their family and underscored the potential he had lost due to addiction-related challenges.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of illegal drug distribution and the impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones.
