The Sentencing of the Ketamine Queen
Jasveen Sangha, 42, received a 15-year prison sentence from US District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett on Wednesday for her role in supplying ketamine that killed actor Matthew Perry. Sangha pleaded guilty last September to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution resulting in death or serious bodily injury.
Family Reactions During the Hearing
Perry's stepmother, Debbie Perry, told the court that Sangha's actions caused irreversible pain and asked for the maximum sentence to prevent further harm. Keith Morrison, Perry's stepfather, addressed Sangha directly, saying, "I don't hate you. You're a drug dealer. You supplied an addict," while describing Perry as "funny and brilliant and sad." Kimberly McLaury, sister of another overdose victim, Cody McLaury, recounted texting Sangha to stop selling ketamine after her brother's 2019 death, emphasizing the personal toll on families.
Prosecution's Evidence Against Sangha
Prosecutors argued that Sangha ran a high-volume drug trafficking operation from her North Hollywood residence, storing and distributing ketamine and methamphetamine since at least 2019. They pointed to recorded jail communications where Sangha discussed obtaining trademarks and book rights related to the case, showing a lack of remorse. Prosecutors noted that Sangha continued selling drugs even after learning her ketamine contributed to the overdose death of Cody McLaury in 2019.
The ABC News article adds that prosecutors said Jasveen Sangha sold Cody McLaury four vials of ketamine in 2019, hours before McLaury died.
The sources also report that Sangha sold ketamine to Cody McLaury, a Los Angeles resident, in 2019—McLaury died hours after receiving four vials from Sangha.
Defense Efforts to Reduce the Sentence
Sangha's attorneys, Mark Geragos and Alexandra Kazarian, requested time served in their sentencing memorandum, citing her lack of prior criminal record and participation in rehabilitation programs while in custody since August 2024. They highlighted her sobriety and family support as factors reducing recidivism risk. Geragos also argued in court that addiction, not Sangha, was primarily responsible for Perry's death.
Other Defendants in the Case
Sangha is the third of five people to be sentenced, following Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who received 30 months for distributing ketamine, and Dr. Mark Chavez, sentenced to eight months of home confinement. Erik Fleming, who acted as a middleman, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution charges and faces up to 25 years at his April 29 sentencing. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's assistant, admitted to injecting Perry with the fatal dose and awaits sentencing on April 22 for conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
Consequences for Drug Accountability
Families of victims, such as the Perrys and McLaury, now face ongoing grief, with statements in court revealing the emotional scars that extend beyond immediate loss.
The sources also report that Sangha, the drug supplier involved in the case, is a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom.