‘Ketamine Queen’ sentenced to 15 years in Matthew Perry overdose death
Ketamine Queen’ Gets 15-Year Sentence for Role in Matthew Perry’s Overdose Death
A 42-year-old Los Angeles resident, nicknamed ‘Ketamine Queen’ by the media, received a 15-year prison term for her part in the fatal drug overdose of actor Matthew Perry. Jasveen Sangha admitted guilt last September to five charges, including one related to distributing ketamine that caused death or severe harm. The prosecution highlighted her North Hollywood home as a central hub for drug distribution, where she sold various substances to affluent and influential clients.
Perry, famed for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the 1990s sitcom Friends, died in October 2023 after collapsing in his Los Angeles hot tub. The cause of death was linked to the immediate effects of ketamine. This medication, typically used by medical professionals as a dissociative anesthetic, has hallucinogenic properties and is not meant for recreational use.
“You caused this… You who has talent for business enough to make money chose the one way that hurts people,” said Debbie Perry, Perry’s stepmother, in a victim impact statement submitted to the court on Tuesday.
Sangha’s emotional reaction was evident as Perry’s family addressed the judge before the sentencing. She expressed regret for her actions, acknowledging her poor choices had ruined lives. However, the judge emphasized her lack of remorse since her arrest, leading to the 15-year sentence.
Federal investigators discovered numerous ketamine vials during a raid on her home, accusing her of supplying the drug from a stash house in North Hollywood since 2019. Thousands of pills, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax, were also seized. Sangha initially denied the charges but switched to a guilty plea in August, just weeks before her trial was to begin.
As part of her agreement, she admitted to selling ketamine to Cody McLaury in August 2019, who later died from an overdose. The justice department noted she could have faced up to 65 years in federal prison. She has been in custody since August 2024, according to her legal team. Supporters submitted letters requesting a lighter sentence, citing her acceptance of responsibility and absence of prior criminal history.
Network of Suppliers
Alongside Sangha, four others—including medical professionals and Perry’s assistant—were implicated in supplying ketamine, capitalizing on his addiction. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who provided the drug in the weeks before Perry’s death, was sentenced to 30 months in prison in December. Dr. Mark Chavez, a California physician, received eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release.
Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is set for sentencing later this month, with his team seeking a delay. Eric Fleming, who distributed ketamine from Sangha to Perry, will face judgment in June. These individuals formed a network that exploited Perry’s vulnerability, contributing to his tragic demise.
