News Summary
Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the ‘Ketamine Queen’, will plead guilty in federal court connected to Matthew Perry’s fatal overdose. Facing multiple charges, she could face up to 65 years in prison. Other defendants, including two physicians, have already pleaded guilty, highlighting a complex web of illegal ketamine distribution linked to Perry’s tragic death from a drug overdose.
Los Angeles – Jasveen Sangha, a 42-year-old currently known as the “Ketamine Queen,” is scheduled to plead guilty in federal court on September 3, 2024, in connection with the fatal overdose of actor Matthew Perry. Sangha faces a series of serious charges, including one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distributing ketamine, and one count of distribution that resulted in death or serious bodily injury. Prosecutors indicate that her guilty plea could lead to a maximum of 65 years in federal prison.
Sangha is the final defendant among five individuals implicated in the case surrounding Perry’s death. Notably, two physicians have already entered guilty pleas, further highlighting the extensive web of individuals involved in the illegal distribution of the substance. Perry, widely known for his role in the television series “Friends,” died in October 2023 due to acute effects of ketamine that ultimately led to his accidental drowning.
According to the indictment, Sangha sold four vials of ketamine to Cody McLaury in August 2019. Subsequently, McLaury died from an overdose shortly after obtaining the drugs. Singly, Sangha’s residence has been termed as a “stash house,” where she reportedly engaged in the sale of ketamine for multiple years, beginning in June 2019. Legal documents reveal that Sangha knowingly supplied ketamine to Perry, indicating that the actor’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, administered the drug through injections.
On the day of Perry’s death, Iwamasa is documented to have injected him multiple times, playing a critical role in the circumstances surrounding the fatal overdose. The case also involves Sangha’s alleged association with Erik Fleming, who assisted in providing ketamine to Perry. Additionally, records indicate that following Perry’s tragic death, Sangha conducted internet searches related to the effects of ketamine and potential legal consequences stemming from its distribution.
In the wake of Perry’s overdose, Sangha has accepted responsibility for her actions through a plea agreement. Her attorney has stated her willingness to acknowledge her role in the events that transpired. Meanwhile, the broader legal case continues to explore the culpability of other defendants, including two doctors who have admitted to their involvement in Perry’s ketamine distribution.
Perry’s death was ruled a result of a ketamine overdose, as determined by an autopsy report, which indicated contributing factors included drowning and coronary artery disease. Known for his openness about his struggles with addiction, Perry received ketamine treatments for depression, which reportedly came from multiple illicit sources prior to his untimely passing.
This ongoing case has sparked discussions about the dangers of ketamine, especially regarding its misuse. The implications of this legal battle, focusing on the roles of multiple individuals in Perry’s fatal overdose, underscore the critical issues surrounding drug distribution and addiction recovery. The court proceedings will continue to unfold as the legal system addresses the severity of these charges and the impact of such actions on the lives of those affected.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News 1
- Wikipedia: Ketamine
- Reuters
- Google Search: Jasveen Sangha
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Scholar: Ketamine
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ketamine
- USA Today
- Google News: Matthew Perry
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
