‘Ketamine Queen’ sentenced to 15 years in connection with Matthew Perry’s overdose death

The notorious figure known as the “Ketamine Queen” has been handed a 15-year prison sentence for her involvement in the drug-related death of actor Matthew Perry. Jasveen Sangha, 42, confessed to collaborating with another dealer to supply Perry with several vials of ketamine, including the fatal dose that resulted in his passing in October 2023 at the age of 54.

Sangha, who pleaded guilty to various drug-related charges last year, faced a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison. During her sentencing in a Los Angeles federal court, she expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging the impact they had on the families involved. Perry’s stepmother, Debbie Perry, delivered a poignant victim impact statement, urging the judge to impose the maximum sentence on Sangha to prevent further harm to other families.

Keith Morrison, Perry’s stepfather, also addressed Sangha, emphasizing that she chose to supply drugs to an addict, resulting in devastating consequences. He fondly remembered Perry as a complex individual with various qualities that made him unique.

Prosecutors argued that Sangha should serve 15 years in prison due to her callous behavior and disregard for human life. They highlighted her continued drug trafficking activities, even after causing the overdose deaths of Perry and another individual, Cody McLaury, in 2019. The prosecution stated that Sangha prioritized profits over people and failed to show genuine remorse for her actions.

Despite the defense’s plea for a lenient sentence based on Sangha’s rehabilitation efforts, prosecutors maintained that she exhibited minimal remorse and continued to downplay the severity of her crimes. They cited recorded jail communications where Sangha discussed profiting from the events of the case, indicating a lack of understanding of the harm she caused.

Sangha’s attorneys emphasized her exemplary behavior in custody and strong family support, advocating for her release based on time served. However, prosecutors argued that Sangha’s lack of remorse and attempts to minimize her actions warranted a substantial sentence to prevent recidivism.

In addition to Sangha, four others were charged in connection with Perry’s death, including Erik Fleming, Kenneth Iwamasa, Mark Chavez, and Salvador Plasencia. Each individual played a role in supplying ketamine to Perry, leading to his fatal overdose. The legal proceedings against the other defendants are ongoing, with varying outcomes expected based on their levels of involvement.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of drug-related crimes and the importance of accountability in such situations. The sentencing of Sangha sheds light on the complexities of drug trafficking and its profound consequences on individuals and their families.