by LOS ANGELES — Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” agreed Monday to plead guilty to federal charges connected to the death of actor Matthew Perry.
Final Defendant to Reach Plea Agreement
Sangha is the fifth and final defendant charged in Perry’s overdose death to reach a plea deal, avoiding a trial that had been scheduled for September. She agreed to plead guilty to five federal criminal counts, including providing the ketamine that contributed to Perry’s death. Her lawyer, Mark Geragos, said, “She’s taking responsibility for her actions.”
Charges and Plea Details
Sangha will plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distributing ketamine, and one count of distributing ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Prosecutors will drop three other counts, including one related to methamphetamine distribution.
Sangha admitted to selling four vials of ketamine to Cody McLaury in 2019, though McLaury was not connected to Perry. She will formally change her plea at an upcoming hearing, where sentencing will also be scheduled. She could face up to 45 years in prison, though prosecutors have indicated they will request a lesser sentence.
Investigation and Other Defendants
Sangha and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty last month, were primary targets of the investigation. Three other defendants — Dr. Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Erik Fleming — pleaded guilty and provided statements implicating Sangha and Plasencia. Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles home by Iwamasa, his assistant. The medical examiner determined ketamine, commonly used as a surgical anesthetic, was the primary cause of death.
Perry’s Ketamine Use and Sangha’s Role
Perry had been legally using ketamine through his doctor as an off-label treatment for depression but sought higher doses than his doctor would prescribe. He obtained ketamine from Plasencia about a month before his death and from Sangha roughly two weeks prior. Sangha presented herself publicly as part of a glamorous lifestyle on social media, but prosecutors said she privately sold ketamine to wealthy and high-profile clients.
Perry and Iwamasa were introduced to Sangha through Fleming. Perry purchased 25 vials of ketamine for $6,000 just four days before his death, including the fatal doses. On the day of Perry’s death, Sangha allegedly instructed Fleming to delete their communications.
Law Enforcement Action
Sangha’s North Hollywood home was raided by DEA agents in March 2024, where large amounts of methamphetamine and ketamine were seized. She has been in federal custody for about a year. As part of her plea deal, Sangha agreed not to contest the seizure of her property, including over $5,000 in cash.
None of the defendants in the case has yet been sentenced.
