From Headlines to Prison Ketamine Queen Gets 15 Years in Matthew Perry Case
Jasveen Sangha, a woman from Los Angeles often called the “Ketamine Queen,” has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. According to federal prosecutors and court reports, the sentence was given on April 8 after she admitted guilt in several charges tied to a drug operation connected to the 2023 death of Matthew Perry.
Officials said Sangha had been running what they described as a large-scale drug distribution setup from her home in North Hollywood. Prosecutors claimed she supplied illegal substances to a number of clients, including people in high-profile circles, over a period of years.
The sentencing hearing took place in a Los Angeles courtroom, where members of Perry’s family spoke directly to the judge. His stepmother, Debbie Perry, delivered an emotional statement, asking for the harshest possible punishment. She told the court, “You caused this… You who has talent for business enough to make money chose the one way that hurts people.”
During the hearing, Sangha reportedly became emotional while listening to the family. She later addressed the court herself and expressed regret, saying she felt shame for what had happened, according to courtroom accounts.
Investigators had previously searched her home, where they found large amounts of drugs, including ketamine vials and thousands of pills. Authorities said this evidence supported claims that her home was being used to store and distribute illegal substances.
Her lawyers argued that she should receive a lighter sentence because she had no prior criminal history. However, the judge focused on the seriousness of the case and the consequences of her actions. Debbie Perry again urged the court, saying, “Please give this heartless woman the maximum prison sentence so she won’t be able to hurt other families like ours.”
The case has involved several other people as well. According to prosecutors, five individuals in total were charged in connection with Perry’s death. Among them were doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, who have already been sentenced.
Perry’s former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, admitted that he administered the doses that led to Perry’s death. He is expected to be sentenced later this month on April 22. Another person involved, Eric Fleming, is set to be sentenced on April 29 after admitting he obtained drugs from Sangha.
As the legal process comes to an end, attention has also turned to remembering Matthew Perry’s life and work. A documentary titled Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy was recently released on Peacock, looking at both his career and the events that followed his death.
His memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, continues to be widely read, offering a personal look at his struggles with addiction. At the same time, his family and supporters are continuing the work of the Matthew Perry Foundation, which helps people dealing with substance abuse.
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