Jasveen Sangha Faces Sentencing for Role in Matthew Perry's Ketamine Overdose Death

Jasveen Sangha is set to be sentenced on Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court for her role in supplying the ketamine that led to the death of actor Matthew Perry. The 42-year-old pleaded guilty in September to one count of using her home for drug distribution, three counts of ketamine distribution, and one count of ketamine distribution resulting in death.

She is the third of five defendants to face sentencing in connection with Perry's 2023 overdose.

Perry, aged 54, was found dead in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County medical examiner determined that the acute effects of high levels of ketamine were the primary cause of death, with drowning as a contributing factor. Perry had been using ketamine legally through his doctor as an off-label treatment for depression but sought additional supplies.

Sangha sold Perry 25 vials of ketamine for $6,000 in cash four days before his death, according to prosecutors. She also admitted to selling drugs to Cody McLaury, a 33-year-old man who died from an overdose in 2019 with no connection to Perry. Prosecutors have requested a 15-year sentence, citing federal guidelines and her acknowledgment of causing Perry's death in her plea deal.

Case Sangha's attorneys argue that the time she has served in jail since her August 2024 indictment is sufficient punishment.

They highlight her lack of prior criminal record, exemplary behavior as an inmate, and low likelihood of returning to drug dealing. The defense also notes her education, including a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Irvine, and a master's from Hult International Business School in England.

Prosecutors describe Sangha as operating an elaborate drug distribution network catering to high-end clients.

They point to her continued drug dealing after her plea as evidence of lack of remorse. Sangha, a dual US-UK citizen, moved to the US at age 3 and settled in Southern California around age 10. Members of Perry's family are expected to address the court before sentencing.

US District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett has indicated she will calibrate sentences across the five defendants to ensure consistency. Two other defendants have already been sentenced: Dr. 5 years in prison, and another doctor received eight months of home detention.

initially obtained additional ketamine from Dr.

Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty to illegally selling it and was sentenced after prosecutors requested three years. Perry's assistant and a friend, who acted as middlemen, have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Ketamine, typically used as a surgical anesthetic, contributed to Perry's death despite his legal medical use.

Sangha's plea deal uniquely includes an admission of causing Perry's death, positioning her for the longest sentence among the group. Her lawyers emphasize family support from her mother and grandmother, as well as the recent deaths of her grandfather and stepfather, which have affected her profoundly.

Prosecutors counter that her actions stemmed from a choice to fund a luxurious lifestyle, not desperation.

The case stems from Perry's lifelong struggles with addiction, which he publicly discussed. His portrayal of Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom Friends from 1994 to 2004 established him as a major television star.