California woman known as the ‘Ketamine Queen’ agrees to plead guilty to federal charges linked to actor Matthew Perry’s death
Jasveen Sangha, a California woman known as the "Ketamine Queen," has agreed to plead guilty to five federal charges related to the fatal overdose of actor Matthew Perry. The plea deal, announced by federal prosecutors, resolves a case that had drawn national attention.
Sangha, 42, was scheduled to stand trial in September but has now agreed to plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distributing ketamine, and one count of distributing ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The charges stem from her alleged role in supplying the ketamine that led to Perry's death on October 28, 2023.
The other three defendants in the case are Dr Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Erik Fleming, who agreed to plead guilty last year in exchange for their cooperation. Their deal also included statements that implicated Sangha and Plasencia.
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the television show Friends, died at the age of 54 from acute ketamine effects, which caused him to lose consciousness and drown in his hot tub. An autopsy concluded that ketamine was the primary cause of death, with contributing factors including coronary artery disease and buprenorphine use.
Prosecutors allege that Perry had been receiving ketamine treatments for depression and anxiety, but began seeking additional doses from unauthorized sources. Sangha is accused of supplying Perry with large quantities of ketamine in the weeks leading up to his death. On the day of his death, she allegedly instructed an associate to delete all communications related to their transactions.
Perry bought massive amounts of ketamine from Jasveen Sangha, including 25 vials for $6,000 in cash four days before his death, with Fleming and Iwamasa acting as middlemen.
Sangha is expected to formally change her plea to guilty during an upcoming court hearing, where a sentencing date will also be scheduled. She faces a maximum sentence of up to 45 years in federal prison, though sentencing guidelines and potential cooperation with authorities could influence the final sentence.
The case has highlighted concerns about the illicit distribution of ketamine and its use outside of medical supervision. Federal authorities have emphasized the importance of regulating substances like ketamine to prevent misuse and protect public health.
Sangha, 42, was scheduled to stand trial in September but has now agreed to plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distributing ketamine, and one count of distributing ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The charges stem from her alleged role in supplying the ketamine that led to Perry's death on October 28, 2023.
The other three defendants in the case are Dr Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Erik Fleming, who agreed to plead guilty last year in exchange for their cooperation. Their deal also included statements that implicated Sangha and Plasencia.
Background of the case
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the television show Friends, died at the age of 54 from acute ketamine effects, which caused him to lose consciousness and drown in his hot tub. An autopsy concluded that ketamine was the primary cause of death, with contributing factors including coronary artery disease and buprenorphine use.
Prosecutors allege that Perry had been receiving ketamine treatments for depression and anxiety, but began seeking additional doses from unauthorized sources. Sangha is accused of supplying Perry with large quantities of ketamine in the weeks leading up to his death. On the day of his death, she allegedly instructed an associate to delete all communications related to their transactions.
Perry bought massive amounts of ketamine from Jasveen Sangha, including 25 vials for $6,000 in cash four days before his death, with Fleming and Iwamasa acting as middlemen.
Legal proceedings and sentencing
Sangha is expected to formally change her plea to guilty during an upcoming court hearing, where a sentencing date will also be scheduled. She faces a maximum sentence of up to 45 years in federal prison, though sentencing guidelines and potential cooperation with authorities could influence the final sentence.
Broader implications
The case has highlighted concerns about the illicit distribution of ketamine and its use outside of medical supervision. Federal authorities have emphasized the importance of regulating substances like ketamine to prevent misuse and protect public health.
