Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” reportedly agreed to plead guilty in connection to Matthew Perry’s overdose death.
NBC News reported on Monday, August 18, that Sangha, 42, will plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The outlet cited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Sangha faces a maximum of 65 years in prison, according to the outlet, noting that she is expected to enter the plea in the coming weeks. A sentencing date for Sangha has not been scheduled.
“She’s taking responsibility for her actions,” Sangha’s attorney, Mark Geragos, said, per NBC News.
Perry died at age 54 in October 2023, with a toxicology report concluding that his death was the result of “the acute effects of ketamine.” Drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use) were listed as contributing factors.
The Friends actor’s death was initially ruled an accident, but the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California shared in 2024 that Sangha, Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez had all been charged in connection with Perry’s death.
Sangha initially maintained her innocence and denied any association with Perry. “She isn’t connected to Matthew Perry at all,” Geragos claimed during a Today show interview that aired in September 2024, noting that there’s “no mystery” about his client’s alleged association with the actor.
“People like to make her out into something she isn’t, but there’s a whole different side here,” Geragos continued of Sangha, adding that her story “will be told in a trial.”
Earlier this year, the Department of Justice stated that Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution of ketamine during a hearing in July.
“Dr. Plasencia is profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry,” his attorney, Karen Goldstein, said in a statement to ABC News. “He is fully accepting responsibility by pleading guilty to drug distribution.”
Plasencia will remain out on bond until his sentencing hearing, which is set for December. He is facing up to 40 years in prison.
Iwamasa, for his part, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. He is scheduled to be sentenced in November.
Fleming also admitted that he supplied the ketamine that killed Perry and subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. He is scheduled to be sentenced in November.
Chavez, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine and will be sentenced in September.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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