Drug Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years for Selling Ketamine That Killed Matthew Perry
A woman known as a 'ketamine queen' has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling the drugs that caused the death of Friends star Matthew Perry. Jasveen Sangha, 42, was the third defendant to be sentenced among five individuals who pleaded guilty to involvement in the actor's overdose in 2023.
Courtroom Confession and Sentencing
During her sentencing on Wednesday, April 8, Sangha stood at the podium and told the judge she wears her shame 'like a jacket.' She admitted, "These were not mistakes. They were horrible decisions," acknowledging that her actions shattered lives and affected families and friends.
US District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett imposed the 15-year prison term, referencing Sangha's earlier comments about self-improvement by stating, "You're going to have to show some epic resilience." Sangha is the only defendant whose plea deal included an acknowledgment of causing Perry's death.
Background of the Case
Matthew Perry, aged 54, was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. The medical examiner ruled that ketamine, typically used as a surgical anesthetic, was the primary cause of death. Perry had been using the drug legally through his doctor for depression treatment but sought additional supplies beyond what was prescribed.
This led him first to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who admitted illegally selling ketamine and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Later, Perry turned to Sangha, who sold him 25 vials of ketamine, including the fatal dose, for $6,000 in cash just four days before his death, according to prosecutors.
Prosecution's Arguments and Additional Charges
Prosecutors portrayed Sangha in court filings as a 'ketamine queen' who ran an elaborate drug operation catering to high-end clients, enabling a jet-setting lifestyle despite her privileged background. They argued that her lack of remorse was evident, as she continued drug dealing even after learning her actions contributed to deaths.
The sentencing filing revealed that in 2020, when Sangha learned the ketamine she sold to Cody McLaury, 33, contributed to his overdose death, "she didn't care and kept selling." Similarly, in 2023, upon discovering she sold Perry the drugs that caused his death, her reaction was identical.
Sangha pleaded guilty in September to multiple charges, including:
- Using her home for drug distribution
- Three counts of distribution of ketamine
- One count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death
Impact on Perry's Family
Keith Morrison, Perry's stepfather and an NBC Dateline correspondent, addressed the judge, expressing that he and Perry's mother, Suzanne, endure a "daily, grinding sadness and sorrow." He described Perry as having a unique spark and lamented, "He should have had another act. Two more acts."
Other Defendants and Ongoing Proceedings
Another doctor, who admitted providing Plasencia with the ketamine sold to Perry, was sentenced to eight months of home detention. Perry's assistant and friend, who acted as middlemen, are awaiting sentencing. Judge Garnett noted she is calibrating sentences for all five defendants to ensure coherence as a whole.
Despite Sangha's plea, her lawyers argued that her time in jail since her indictment in August 2024 should suffice, citing her lack of prior criminal record, exemplary behavior as an inmate, and low likelihood of returning to drug dealing.
