A federal judge in Los Angeles has imposed a 15-year prison sentence on a woman who pleaded guilty to selling ketamine to "Friends" star Matthew Perry, a transaction that directly contributed to his tragic overdose death in 2023. The sentencing marks a significant development in the case that has captivated public attention since the actor's passing.
Judge Delivers Harsh Sentence in High-Profile Case
On Wednesday, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett handed down the sentence to Jasveen Sangha, 42, who stood before the court as the third defendant to be sentenced among five individuals who have pleaded guilty in connection with Perry's death. The judge echoed Sangha's own words about self-improvement, stating, "You're going to have to show some epic resilience," during the hearing. Sangha, visibly remorseful, told the judge she wears her shame "like a jacket," acknowledging the gravity of her actions.
Sangha's Role and Plea Deal
Sangha is the only defendant whose plea deal included an explicit acknowledgment of causing Perry's death, which prosecutors argued warranted a severe penalty. Her prison term is expected to be substantially longer than those of the other defendants combined. She pleaded guilty in September to multiple charges, including using her home for drug distribution, three counts of ketamine distribution, and one count of distribution resulting in death. Additionally, she admitted to selling drugs to another individual, Cody McLaury, who died from an overdose in 2019, unrelated to Perry's case.
Prosecutors Detail "Ketamine Queen" Operation
In court filings, prosecutors portrayed Sangha as a "Ketamine Queen" who ran an elaborate drug operation catering to high-end clients, enabling a lavish lifestyle despite her privileged background. They emphasized that her actions were not mere mistakes but "horrible decisions" that "shattered people's lives and the lives of their family and friends." Prosecutors also highlighted her lack of remorse, noting that she continued drug dealing even after learning her sales contributed to deaths, including Perry's.
Defense Arguments and Family Impact
Sangha's attorneys argued in their sentencing filing that her time in jail since her August 2024 indictment should suffice, citing her lack of a prior criminal record, exemplary behavior as an inmate, and low likelihood of reoffending. However, the judge considered the broader impact, including statements from Perry's family. Keith Morrison, Perry's stepfather and an NBC "Dateline" correspondent, expressed a "daily, grinding sadness and sorrow," describing Perry as having a unique spark and lamenting that he "should have had another act. Two more acts."
Background on Perry's Death and Related Cases
Matthew Perry, 54, was found dead in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home, with the medical examiner ruling ketamine as the primary cause of death. Perry had been using ketamine legally through his doctor for off-label depression treatment but sought additional supplies beyond prescribed limits. This led him to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for illegally selling ketamine to Perry, and later to Sangha, who sold him 25 vials of ketamine for $6,000 in cash just four days before his death.
Other Defendants and Sentencing Rationale
The case involves five defendants in total, including another doctor who received eight months of home detention for providing ketamine to Plasencia, as well as Perry's assistant and friend, who acted as middlemen and are awaiting sentencing. Judge Garnett explained that she calibrated the sentences to ensure they made sense as a cohesive whole, reflecting the varying degrees of culpability among the defendants.
This sentencing underscores the severe consequences of drug distribution, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals and fatal outcomes, while highlighting the ongoing legal and emotional ramifications for all involved parties.
