In a significant ruling on Wednesday, a woman admitted to selling ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, resulting in his fatal overdose in 2023, received a 15-year prison sentence from a federal judge. Jasveen Sangha, 42, was addressed by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett, who emphasized the need for resilience as Sangha acknowledged her responsibility in the tragedy.
Positioning Sangha’s pivotal role in Perry’s demise and her broader drug distribution enterprise, the judge imposed a sentence likely exceeding the combined penalties of her four co-defendants. The courtroom session marked the climax of a 2.5-year investigation and prosecution following the passing of the renowned 54-year-old actor, recognized for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the popular TV series “Friends.”
Expressing ongoing grief, Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, a correspondent for NBC’s “Dateline,” shared his and Perry’s mother’s profound sorrow and a sense of loss for Perry’s unrealized potential. Sangha, prior to her sentencing, expressed remorse, acknowledging the devastating impact of her actions on individuals and their loved ones.
Described as a “Ketamine Queen” by prosecutors for her opulent drug trade catering to affluent clients despite her privileged background, Sangha faced the requested 15-year sentence. Her defense argued for leniency, citing her incarceration since her 2024 indictment, lack of prior criminal history, exemplary conduct in custody, and the unlikelihood of relapsing into drug-related activities.
Perry’s untimely death in his Los Angeles residence, attributed primarily to ketamine toxicity, prompted legal actions against individuals involved in the illicit drug supply chain. Sangha’s guilty plea encompassed charges related to drug distribution and the fatal consequences of supplying ketamine to Perry. Legal representatives contested the prosecution’s portrayal of Sangha and emphasized the underlying addiction issues contributing to Perry’s tragic demise.
The sentencing process underscored the complex considerations in assigning penalties to the defendants. Despite defense assertions of disproportionate culpability, the judge highlighted Sangha’s extensive drug network, prolonged criminal activities, and her continued drug trade even after a customer’s fatal overdose. The courtroom atmosphere reflected the profound impact on both Perry’s and Sangha’s families, with the judge acknowledging the lack of solace in the judicial process and aiming for a semblance of justice for all involved.