‘Ketamine Queen’ accused of selling fatal dose to Matthew Perry agrees to plead guilty
On August 18, 2025, Jasveen Sangha, infamously dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” agreed to plead guilty to multiple federal charges tied to the October 2023 overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. She becomes the fifth and final defendant in a sweeping investigation into the circumstances surrounding his fatal ketamine overdose.
Charges and Scope of the Plea
Sangha has agreed to plead guilty to five charges:
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One count of maintaining a drug-involved premises
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Three counts of ketamine distribution
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One count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury
She also admitted to supplying ketamine in a separate 2019 overdose that resulted in death, clarifying a pattern of hazardous distribution beyond the Perry case.
The Perry Connection
Prosecutors revealed that Sangha, a dual U.S.-U.K. citizen, supplied Perry with substantial quantities of ketamine—an estimated 51 vials—through intermediaries. His personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, administered the drug in the weeks leading up to Perry’s death. Text message exchanges indicate Sangha and co-defendant Erik Fleming coordinated to conceal their involvement immediately after Perry’s passing.
Legal Process and Sentencing Outlook
Sangha’s plea deal avoids a September trial date, now canceled, and carries a potential maximum penalty of up to 45 years in prison, though prosecutors indicate they will seek a lesser sentence. She has been held in custody since her arrest in August 2024 following a DEA raid on her North Hollywood residence.
Investigation Round-Up
The broader probe included five defendants:
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Kenneth Iwamasa, the assistant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
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Erik Fleming, a friend and facilitator, pleaded guilty to similar charges.
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Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Perry’s physician, pleaded guilty to ketamine distribution.
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Dr. Mark Chavez, another medical provider, also entered a guilty plea.
Sangha represents the final holdout now officially in the plea system.
Wider Implications
The case sheds light on the hidden network of illicit ketamine distribution targeting vulnerable public figures. It highlights potential systemic failures in monitoring off-label ketamine use and underscores the perils when addiction intersects with unauthorized medical supply chains.
Key Legal Outcomes
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Final defendant pleads guilty—Jasveen Sangha enters plea, concluding the core phase of the federal case.
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Multiple serious charges—Including distribution resulting in death and maintaining a drug operation.
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Avoided trial—Plea replaces her planned September 2025 trial.
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Stiff sentencing potential—Up to 45 years possible; prosecutors seek reduction.
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Comprehensive network exposed—Assistant, doctors, associates also implicated and pleaded guilty.
Outlet & Publication Date
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Associated Press – Published August 18, 2025 (primary report on Sangha’s plea) AP News
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Reuters – Published August 18, 2025 (concise summary of plea agreement) Reuters
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Vulture – Published August 18, 2025 (entertainment-focused coverage) Vulture
