Ketamine Dealer Pleads guilty in Matthew Perry Death Case
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Los Angeles, CA – Jasveen Sangha, 42, reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors Monday, admitting guilt to five charges related to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Sangha, identified in court documents as the “Ketamine Queen,” acknowledged providing the ketamine that contributed to Perry’s death and previously selling the drug to another individual who fatally overdosed.
Details of the Plea Deal
Under the terms of the agreement, Sangha will plead guilty to charges including distributing ketamine resulting in death and maintaining a location for drug distribution. Prosecutors will dismiss remaining charges related to conspiracy and other drug possession allegations at sentencing. Sangha faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years for the “stash house” charge, plus additional time for the ketamine distribution counts.
Timeline of Events
The case unfolded following perry’s death on October 28, 2023, at age 54. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be the acute effects of ketamine . sangha’s arrest occurred last August,and a subsequent raid of her residence in March 2024 uncovered 79 vials of ketamine and several pounds of methamphetamine.
| Date | event |
|---|---|
| August 2019 | sangha sold ketamine to Cody McLaury, who later died from an overdose. |
| October 14, 2023 | Sangha sold 25 vials of liquid ketamine to an intermediary for delivery to Matthew Perry. |
| October 24,2023 | Sangha sold another 25 vials of liquid ketamine through the same intermediary. |
| October 28, 2023 | Matthew Perry dies from the acute effects of ketamine. |
| August 2024 | Sangha is arrested. |
| August 7 & 8, 2024 | Co-defendants Kenneth Iwamasa and Erik fleming plead guilty. |
Perry’s Battle with Addiction and the Ketamine Supply
Matthew Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing on the television series Friends, openly discussed his long-standing struggle with addiction in his 2022 memoir, friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. He detailed a decades-long battle with alcohol and opioid dependence. The investigation revealed Sangha sold Perry unlabeled vials of liquid ketamine, with pricing escalating through intermediaries-$160 per vial from Sangha to $220 through Fleming.
Did You Know? The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, and its misuse can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
Co-Defendants and Previous Pleas
Sangha is the fifth and final defendant to enter a guilty plea in the case. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, previously admitted to administering the ketamine injections without medical training and is scheduled for sentencing in November 2025. Erik Fleming pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution charges, with sentencing set for November 12.Doctors salvador Plasencia and Mark Charvez also entered guilty pleas for their roles in supplying ketamine.
Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, resources are available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Prosecutors’ Statements and Motives
Former U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants exploited Perry’s addiction for financial gain, knowingly endangering his life. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Sangha attempted to delete incriminating text messages and altered settings on the Signal messaging app following Perry’s death. Furthermore, investigators found that Sangha had searched online for “Can ketamine be listed as a cause of death” after learning of the previous overdose victim.
What role does accountability play when individuals profit from another person’s addiction? And how can we better protect vulnerable individuals from predatory practices within the illicit drug market?
The case highlights the dangers of illicit drug distribution and the devastating consequences of addiction. The increasing prevalence of fentanyl and other potent substances in the illegal drug supply underscores the urgent need for prevention,treatment,and harm reduction strategies. This case also raises questions about the duty of those who provide drugs to individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Matthew Perry Case
- What charges did Jasveen Sangha plead guilty to? Sangha pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including distribution of ketamine resulting in death and maintaining a location for drug distribution.
- What was Matthew Perry’s cause of death? Perry’s death was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, as determined by an autopsy.
- Who else has been charged in connection with Perry’s death? Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, Salvador Plasencia, and Mark Charvez have also pleaded guilty to various charges related to the case.
- What sentence does Sangha face? Sangha faces up to 20 years in prison for the “stash house” charge, plus additional time for the ketamine distribution counts.
- Where can I find help for substance abuse? The SAMHSA National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
this developing story will be updated as more details becomes available. We encourage readers to share this article and engage in constructive conversation about the critical issues it raises.
