Ketamine Queen Admits Guilt in Matthew Perry Case
UPDATE — 9/3/25 1:25 p.m. ET: On Wednesday, September 3, Jasveen Sangha, who gained notoriety as the “Ketamine Queen,” admitted her guilt to five federal charges linked to the passing of Matthew Perry.
According to the Associated Press, the 42-year-old Sangha formally confessed to three charges of ketamine distribution, one charge of ketamine distribution leading to death, and a single charge of operating a drug-involved property.
During the Wednesday proceedings, the courtroom saw the presence of the beloved late Friends actor’s mother, Suzanne Perry, alongside his stepfather, veteran Dateline journalist Keith Morrison.
Sangha’s sentencing hearing is set for December 10, where she could receive a prison term of up to 65 years.
Original report:
Jasveen Sangha, famously dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” reached an agreement to confess her guilt regarding Matthew Perry’s fatal overdose.
On Monday, August 18, NBC News stated that Sangha, 42, intends to admit guilt to one charge of operating a drug-involved property, three charges of distributing ketamine, and one charge of distributing ketamine that led to death or severe harm. This information was attributed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Per the same report, Sangha could face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison, with her plea expected to be formally submitted within the next few weeks. Her sentencing date remains unconfirmed.
“She is accepting accountability for her conduct,” stated Mark Geragos, Sangha’s legal counsel.
'Ketamine Queen's' Attorney Asserts No Link to Matthew Perry 'Whatsoever'
The actor, Perry, passed away at 54 years old in October 2023, after a toxicology analysis determined his demise was due to “the acute effects of ketamine.” Additional factors contributing to his death included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the presence of buprenorphine (a medication for opioid addiction).
Initially deemed an accidental death, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California revealed in 2024 that charges related to Perry’s passing had been brought against Sangha, Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, and Dr. Mark Chavez.
Sangha previously asserted her innocence and disavowed any ties to Perry. In a September 2024 interview on the Today show, Geragos stated, “She has absolutely no connection to Matthew Perry,” emphasizing that there was “no enigma” surrounding his client’s supposed involvement with the performer.
Geragos further commented on Sangha, “Individuals tend to portray her as someone she is not, but there is an entirely different perspective to consider,” asserting that her full narrative “will unfold during a trial.”
Reports Indicate 'Ketamine Queen' Continued Operating Drug Establishment Post-Matthew Perry's Demise
In a July hearing earlier this year, the Department of Justice confirmed that Plasencia admitted guilt to four counts of ketamine distribution.
In a statement provided to ABC News, his lawyer, Karen Goldstein, conveyed, “Dr. Plasencia expresses deep regret for the therapeutic choices made while administering ketamine to Matthew Perry. He is completely taking responsibility by admitting guilt to the charges of drug distribution.”
Plasencia will stay released on bond pending his December sentencing hearing, where he could face a prison sentence of up to 40 years.
Meanwhile, Iwamasa confessed guilt to a single charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, resulting in death. His sentencing is slated for November.
Fleming, too, acknowledged providing the ketamine responsible for Perry’s death and subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine leading to death. His sentencing is also scheduled for November.
Chavez, on the other hand, admitted guilt to distributing ketamine and is set for sentencing in September.
For those grappling with substance abuse, or who know someone who is, please reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
