Jasveen Sangha to Plead Guilty in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Death
A woman known as the “Ketamine Queen” has come to an agreement to plead guilty regarding her role in the distribution of the drug that led to the untimely death of Matthew Perry, the beloved Friends actor. Jasveen Sangha, 42, faces multiple charges in a federal court in Los Angeles, where she will formally admit guilt to five specific charges, including a particularly grave count of distributing ketamine that resulted in death or serious bodily injury.
Charges and Allegations
Initially, Sangha was facing nine criminal charges. However, as part of a plea deal with the Justice Department, she agreed to reduce her admissions to just five. According to federal prosecutors, Sangha’s residence in Los Angeles was described as a “drug-selling emporium,” where authorities discovered numerous vials of ketamine during a raid.
Perry was tragically found deceased in a jacuzzi at his home in Los Angeles in October 2023. An examination revealed that his death was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine. Sangha is not alone in the accusations; she is one of five individuals, including doctors and Perry’s assistant, identified by authorities as having contributed to Perry’s fatal overdose by profiting from his addiction.
Legal Proceedings and Maximum Sentences
The individuals involved alongside Sangha include two medical doctors, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez, who allegedly provided ketamine; Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, who assisted him in obtaining and administering the drug; and Eric Fleming, who is accused of selling ketamine sourced from Sangha to Perry. All five have reportedly agreed to plead guilty to their respective charges.
Sangha’s trial, originally slated for last month, has been postponed several times. Her legal team has indicated she will submit her guilty plea in the upcoming weeks. Her defense attorney, Mark Geragos, commented that Sangha is accepting responsibility for her actions.
| Individual | Role | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Jasveen Sangha | Supplier | Distributing ketamine that led to death |
| Dr. Salvador Plasencia | Provider | Selling ketamine |
| Dr. Mark Chavez | Provider | Selling ketamine |
| Kenneth Iwamasa | Assistant | Assisting in drug administration |
| Eric Fleming | Dealer | Selling ketamine |
Public Health Concerns
Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warns that the substance can distort sensory perceptions and create feelings of detachment, which can be hazardous. It is intended for administration only by qualified medical personnel, with patients needing supervision due to potential adverse effects.
The investigation surrounding Perry’s death and the extensive use of ketamine in Hollywood has illuminated a concerning underground drug culture, with experts labeling the situation as akin to a “wild west.” In another harrowing aspect of her plea deal, Sangha has admitted to supplying ketamine to Cody McLaury, who succumbed to an overdose shortly after purchasing the drug from her in August 2019. Sangha allegedly maintained a drug distribution operation from her residence in North Hollywood since at least 2019, where investigators recovered over 80 vials of ketamine among other substances.
With her extravagant lifestyle and social connections, including appearances at high-profile events like the Golden Globes and the Oscars, Sangha presents a stark contrast against the serious nature of her legal woes. As she prepares to face the consequences of her actions, the scandal continues to unravel the darker underbelly of celebrity drug abuse.
