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Erik Fleming Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Supplying Ketamine That Killed Matthew Perry
Erik Fleming, a licensed drug addiction counselor, was sentenced to two years in federal prison on May 13, 2026, for distributing ketamine to Matthew Perry, including doses that led to the actor's death in October 2023. Fleming admitted to obtaining the drug from dealer Jasveen Sangha, marking it up for profit, and delivering it to Perry's assistant.
May 13, 4:32 PM·3m read6 sources
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Erik Fleming, a licensed drug addiction counselor, was sentenced to two years in federal prison Wednesday for his role in supplying the ketamine that killed "Friends" star Matthew Perry. U.S. Fleming, who had remained free on bond for nearly two years, must report to prison within 45 days.
" He expressed remorse, telling the judge his regret "can't compare to the agony I've caused" Perry's family and friends. Outside the courthouse, Fleming said his "chest and heart hurt every day" for the pain inflicted on Perry's loved ones and fans.
The 56-year-old became the fourth of five defendants sentenced after pleading guilty in the case surrounding Perry's death on Oct. 28, 2023. Fleming connected Perry to Jasveen Sangha, a dealer prosecutors called "The Ketamine Queen," who was sentenced to 15 years last month.
He obtained ketamine from Sangha, increased the price to make a profit, and delivered it to Perry's live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Four days before Perry's death, Fleming delivered 25 vials of ketamine for $6,000. Iwamasa administered injections from that batch to Perry, who was found dead hours later in the jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home.
A medical examiner determined the cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning as a contributing factor. Fleming cooperated with authorities the same day investigators located him at his sister's home several months after the death.
" Fleming entered his guilty plea in August 2024 to one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death, becoming the first defendant to do so before arrests were announced. Prosecutors argued Fleming's cooperation was motivated by self-preservation rather than benevolence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Yanniello said, "Mr. Fleming didn't cooperate because he had a benevolent motive, or because he wanted justice for Mr. Perry. " The judge noted Fleming did not come forward voluntarily in the months after the death and that investigators might have obtained the same information from his phone.
