Jasveen Sangha, infamously known as the “Ketamine Queen,” has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in providing the lethal dose of ketamine that caused the death of actor Matthew Perry. Sangha, 42, admitted to working with another dealer to supply Perry with the drugs, including the fatal dose that led to his overdose in October 2023.
Plea Agreement and Sentencing
Sangha pleaded guilty to several charges, including maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of ketamine distribution, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. She faced a maximum sentence of 65 years but was ultimately sentenced to 15 years by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in a Los Angeles federal court.
During the hearing, Sangha expressed deep remorse, saying, “I take full responsibility for my actions” and acknowledging the profound impact her actions had on the families involved.
Sangha appeared visibly emotional as she listened to victim impact statements from Perry’s family. Perry’s stepmother, Debbie Perry, addressed the court, stating, “The pain you caused is irreversible” and urging the judge to give Sangha the maximum sentence to prevent her from harming other families.
Perry’s Family Reacts to the Sentence
Keith Morrison, Perry’s stepfather, also spoke during the hearing. He recalled Perry as a complex individual—funny, brilliant, and deeply human—and emphasized that while he didn’t harbor hatred toward Sangha, he was appalled by her actions. “You have to have a heart of stone to wake up every morning and make a business out of feeding off the addictions of vulnerable people,” Morrison said.
Following the sentencing, Morrison praised the fairness of the judge’s decision, acknowledging the thoroughness with which the case was handled.
Sangha’s Disregard for Life
Prosecutors argued that Sangha showed a “cold callousness and disregard for life” in her ongoing distribution of dangerous drugs, even after learning of the fatalities caused by her supply of ketamine. In 2019, Sangha sold ketamine to Cody McLaury, who also died from an overdose, yet continued to sell drugs even after this tragedy.
Michael Martinez, senior counsel at Democracy Forward, a public advocacy group, pointed out that Sangha had opportunities to stop her illegal activities but chose to continue. He argued that the 15-year sentence was appropriate given her repeated disregard for human life and the families she harmed.
Defense Argument for Rehabilitation
Sangha’s defense team, led by attorneys Mark Geragos and Alexandra Kazarian, argued for a reduced sentence, citing her “demonstrated rehabilitation” while in custody. They pointed to her sustained sobriety, participation in recovery programs, and strong support from family and the community as reasons for a more lenient sentence.
However, prosecutors remained firm in their position that Sangha’s actions had not been adequately reflected upon, citing jailhouse communications in which Sangha seemed to show little remorse for her crimes, even discussing potential financial gains from her involvement in the case.
Other Individuals Involved in Perry’s Death
In addition to Sangha, several others have been charged and pleaded guilty in connection with Perry’s death. The other dealer, Erik Fleming, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and is scheduled for sentencing later this month. Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was involved in administering the ketamine to Perry and has also pleaded guilty.
Two doctors, Mark Chavez and Salvador Plasencia, have also been convicted for their roles in illegally distributing ketamine to Perry. Chavez, who ran a ketamine clinic, was sentenced to eight months of home confinement, while Plasencia received a sentence of 30 months in prison.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case against those involved in the drug distribution network continues, with several other individuals facing sentences later this year. Iwamasa is set to be sentenced on April 22, while Fleming’s sentencing is scheduled for April 29.
This network of drug dealers and medical professionals, all complicit in Perry’s overdose, has faced significant legal consequences for their involvement in the tragic death of the beloved actor.
