Federal Judge Sentences 'Ketamine Queen' to 15 Years in Matthew Perry Death Case
A federal judge in Los Angeles has sentenced Jasveen Sangha, infamously dubbed the 'Ketamine Queen', to 15 years in federal prison for her role in supplying the ketamine that led to the death of beloved 'Friends' actor Matthew Perry in 2023. The sentence, handed down by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett on Wednesday, matches the exact term requested by prosecutors, marking a pivotal conclusion to a high-profile case that has captivated public attention for over two years.
Prosecution Details Elaborate Drug Operation
Prosecutors portrayed Sangha, 42, as a central figure in an extensive and sophisticated drug distribution network that catered to affluent clients, enabling her to maintain a luxurious, jet-setting lifestyle. Court documents revealed that her operation was responsible for distributing significant quantities of ketamine, a surgical anesthetic often abused recreationally. The case gained national prominence due to Perry's celebrity status and the tragic circumstances of his overdose.
Defense Arguments and Judicial Rejection
Sangha's legal team, led by attorney Mark Geragos, vigorously argued for leniency, citing her lack of prior criminal record, exemplary behavior during incarceration since her August 2024 indictment, and the unlikelihood of her returning to drug dealing. Geragos contended that Perry's death was ultimately driven by "pernicious" addiction rather than Sangha's actions, stating, "There was nobody who was going to stop Mr. Perry from doing what he was going to do."
However, Judge Garnett firmly rejected these pleas, emphasizing the gravity of Sangha's crimes. "You're going to have to show some epic resilience," the judge told Sangha, referencing the defendant's own comments about self-improvement during the hearing. Garnett highlighted the scale and duration of Sangha's drug business, her extensive client list, and evidence that she continued dealing even after learning of a customer's death in 2019.
Sangha's Contrition and Family Impact
Before sentencing, Sangha addressed the court, expressing profound remorse. "These were not mistakes. They were horrible decisions," she stated, acknowledging that her actions "shattered people's lives and the lives of their family and friends." She described wearing her shame "like a jacket," a poignant admission of guilt.
The emotional toll on Perry's family was palpable during the proceedings. Keith Morrison, Perry's stepfather and an NBC 'Dateline' correspondent, spoke of a "daily, grinding sadness and sorrow," remembering Perry's unique spark and lamenting his lost potential. Perry's stepmother, Debbie Perry, directly addressed Sangha, asserting that she had caused pain for "hundreds, maybe thousands" of people.
Case Details and Co-Defendant Sentences
Matthew Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles home's hot tub in October 2023. The medical examiner determined that ketamine was the primary cause of death, with drowning as a secondary factor, alongside contributions from coronary artery disease and buprenorphine. Perry had been legally using ketamine under medical supervision for depression but sought additional supplies beyond his prescription.
This pursuit led him to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who admitted to illegally selling Perry ketamine and received a 2.5-year prison sentence. Days before his death, Perry purchased a $6,000 supply from Sangha, which included the lethal dose. Another doctor who supplied Plasencia received eight months of home detention, while Perry's assistant and a friend, who acted as intermediaries, await sentencing.
Legal Disparities and Broader Implications
Judge Garnett acknowledged the complexity of calibrating sentences for the five co-defendants, questioning why Sangha deserved significantly more time than others involved. Geragos criticized this disparity as "outrageous," rhetorically asking, "The person who supplies the ammunition, they're more culpable than the person who pulls the trigger?"
Despite these arguments, the judge concluded that Sangha's central role in a large-scale drug enterprise warranted the stringent sentence. Sangha pleaded guilty in September to multiple charges, including using her home for drug distribution and distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Her sentence is expected to exceed the combined terms of her four co-defendants.
Aftermath and Reflections
The hearing represented the culmination of a 2.5-year investigation into Perry's overdose, drawing a stark contrast between the support Sangha received from family and friends—who submitted numerous letters praising her character—and the enduring grief of Perry's loved ones. Judge Garnett offered condolences to the victim's family, stating, "There's no joy in this process. Maybe at the end of the day you will feel a sense of justice."
This case underscores the devastating consequences of illicit drug distribution, particularly when intertwined with celebrity culture and addiction struggles. It also highlights the legal system's efforts to balance accountability with considerations of rehabilitation and remorse in high-stakes criminal proceedings.
