LOS ANGELES (AP) - Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," is expected to plead guilty in federal court in Los Angeles to charges related to the sale of ketamine that contributed to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. The plea change, set for Wednesday, will mark her shift from a previous not guilty plea, making her the fifth and final defendant to plead guilty in connection with Perry's death.
In a signed statement, Sangha agreed to plead guilty to five federal charges, which include maintaining a drug-involved premises and distributing ketamine, with one count specifically linked to Perry's fatal overdose. Her trial had been scheduled to start later this month. Attorney Mark Geragos, representing Sangha, remarked that she is "taking responsibility for her actions" as part of the plea agreement.
Federal prosecutors portrayed Sangha, a 42-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and the U.K., as a prominent drug dealer who gained notoriety as the "Ketamine Queen," a description used extensively in legal documents and news releases. The charges she faces encompass three counts of ketamine distribution and one count of distribution resulting in death, while three additional related charges and an unrelated methamphetamine distribution charge will be dropped in her plea agreement.
The announcement of her plea deal comes nearly a year after federal prosecutors charged five individuals in connection with Perry's death, which occurred on October 28, 2023, following a detailed investigation. If Sangha proceeds with her guilty plea as planned, a judge will set a date for sentencing, which could amount to 45 years in prison. However, prosecutors indicated they would likely recommend a sentence shorter than the maximum. So far, none of the other co-defendants have received their sentences.
Sangha and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty in July, were identified as primary subjects of the investigation. Three other defendants—Dr. Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Erik Fleming—pleaded guilty in exchange for their cooperation, which involved statements implicating both Sangha and Plasencia in the drug distribution network.
Perry was discovered deceased in his Los Angeles home by assistant Kenneth Iwamasa. The medical examiner determined that ketamine, used primarily as an anesthetic, was the main contributor to his death. In the time leading up to his passing, Perry had been utilizing ketamine as a legal treatment for depression through his regular physician. However, seeking more of the drug than prescribed, he was connected to Sangha through friend Fleming about two weeks prior to his death.
Fleming had informed Perry's assistant that Sangha's ketamine was "amazing" and noted her exclusivity with high-profile clients. Just four days before his demise, Perry purchased an extensive quantity of ketamine—specifically 25 vials totaling $6,000 in cash—from Sangha. On the day of his death, communications between Sangha and Fleming included a request to delete prior messages, as noted in her indictment.
Sangha's lifestyle exhibited a glamorous image on social media, showcasing her interactions with celebrities and affluent individuals across various cities. However, prosecutors depicted her private persona as a dealer targeting a clientele of similarly high-status individuals. Perry, who battled addiction for many years, including during his time on the iconic TV series "Friends," ultimately succumbed to the effects of the drug he sought out, which has raised further discussions about addiction and access to substances like ketamine.
Throughout his career, Perry was known for portraying Chandler Bing on "Friends," a role that solidified his status as one of the leading stars of his generation. The circumstances surrounding his death and the subsequent legal actions against those involved in the distribution of drugs emphasize ongoing issues regarding drug abuse and the responsibility of those who supply substances, ultimately leading to tragic outcomes.
