A federal court in California has sentenced Jasveen Sangha to 15 years in prison for her role in the distribution of ketamine that led to the death of actor Matthew Perry. The sentencing, handed down on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, marks a significant legal conclusion for one of the primary suppliers in a complex network of drug distribution targeting high-profile individuals in Los Angeles.
Sangha, 42, a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom, had been in federal custody since 2024. Last year, she pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including the distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The ruling brings a measure of accountability to the events surrounding the October 2023 passing of the Friends star, who spent decades publicly documenting his struggle with substance abuse.
The prosecution described Sangha as a sophisticated operator who specifically targeted the entertainment industry. According to sentencing documents, Sangha promoted herself as an exclusive dealer catering to a high-end clientele in Hollywood, positioning her services as a boutique operation for the wealthy, and famous.
The Network of Distribution
The investigation revealed a calculated chain of supply that bridged the gap between a large-scale distributor and the actor’s inner circle. Sangha did not operate in isolation; she utilized a network of intermediaries to move the controlled substance into Perry’s home.
Court records indicate that Sangha worked with Erik Fleming, who acted as a middleman. Through this arrangement, 51 vials of ketamine were sold to Kenneth Iwamasa, who served as Matthew Perry’s personal assistant. This pipeline ensured a steady flow of the anesthetic to the actor, bypassing traditional medical oversight.
The legal fallout has been extensive, with Sangha being one of five individuals convicted in connection with the case. The prosecution’s evidence focused on the volume of the drugs supplied and the direct link between the purity and quantity of the ketamine provided by Sangha and the fatal overdose.
Timeline of the Fatal Dose
The events leading to the actor’s death were reconstructed through federal evidence and testimony. The timeline highlights a pattern of administration that culminated in a lethal event:
| Date/Period | Key Event | Role Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-October 2023 | Sale of 51 ketamine vials | Sangha, Fleming, Iwamasa |
| October 28, 2023 | Administration of at least three doses | Kenneth Iwamasa |
| October 2023 | Death of Matthew Perry | Medical Examiner’s Report |
| 2024 | Jasveen Sangha taken into custody | Federal Authorities |
| April 8, 2026 | 15-year prison sentence issued | California Federal Court |
The Role of the Inner Circle
Whereas Sangha provided the substance, the court’s focus also extended to those who had direct access to the actor. Kenneth Iwamasa’s role was particularly scrutinized, as he was the individual responsible for administering the drug. Evidence presented during the proceedings showed that Iwamasa injected Perry with the ketamine supplied by Sangha on several occasions.
On the day of the tragedy, October 28, 2023, Iwamasa administered at least three doses of the drug. The sheer volume and frequency of these injections, combined with the potency of the supply provided by Sangha, were cited as the primary causes of the actor’s death.
The legal process for the other co-conspirators is still ongoing. Both Kenneth Iwamasa and Erik Fleming remain in the legal system and are currently awaiting their respective sentencings. Their final penalties will likely depend on the degree of their cooperation with federal investigators and the specific weight of the charges against them.
Broader Implications for Hollywood and Public Health
The case of “The Ketamine Queen,” as Sangha was dubbed, underscores a disturbing trend of “boutique” drug trafficking where dealers target celebrities by offering a veneer of exclusivity and discretion. By branding herself as a high-end provider, Sangha was able to penetrate the private spheres of individuals who, due to their fame, often struggle to find traditional healthcare and addiction support without public scrutiny.
Matthew Perry’s lifelong battle with addiction was well-documented, including a period where he revealed he had spent two weeks in a coma due to the severity of his dependencies. The federal government’s aggressive pursuit of Sangha and her associates is seen by legal analysts as a message to the illicit drug trade in California: that the status of the client does not provide immunity for the dealer.
The utilize of ketamine, while approved for certain medical and psychiatric treatments under strict clinical supervision, becomes lethal when administered without professional monitoring, particularly when combined with other substances or delivered in high doses via injection.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
The next phase of the judicial process will focus on the sentencing hearings for Erik Fleming and Kenneth Iwamasa, which are expected to determine the final closure for the federal investigation into the death of Matthew Perry. Court dates for these proceedings are pending in the California federal docket.
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