Matthew Perry: California Court Decision After Death

Jasveen Sangha, a North Hollywood drug dealer known as the Ketamine Queen, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on April 8, 2026, for her role in the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry.

U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett delivered the sentence at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The ruling matches the term requested by federal prosecutors, which was more severe than the penalties given to Sangha’s four co-defendants in the case.

Matthew Perry, recognized for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom Friends, died in October 2023. He was found dead in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home at the age of 54, following a long-term struggle with substance abuse. Investigators determined the cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine.

Criminal Charges and Guilty Plea

The sentencing follows a guilty plea entered by Sangha seven months prior. She pleaded guilty to five felony charges, including:

• Three counts of distribution of ketamine.
• One count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury.
• One count of maintaining a drug-involved premises.

As part of the case, it was revealed that Sangha operated a stash house in North Hollywood that catered to high-profile clientele in Hollywood. Sangha admitted to selling Perry 25 vials of ketamine for $6,000 just four days before his death.

Further details from the investigation indicate that on October 28, 2023, an individual named Iwamasa injected Perry with at least three shots of the ketamine supplied by Sangha, which led to the actor’s death.

Prosecution and Judicial Findings

Federal prosecutors argued that Sangha intentionally marketed herself as an exclusive dealer for the Hollywood elite to expand and profit from her trafficking business. In a sentencing memorandum, prosecutors stated that Sangha knew and disregarded the grave harm her actions caused.

The prosecution further highlighted a lack of remorse, noting that Sangha continued to distribute drugs even after learning that her supply had contributed to the 2019 death of Cody McLaury and the 2023 death of Perry.

During the hearing, Sangha’s attorneys requested that she receive time served, citing her exemplary behavior while acting as an inmate. Judge Garnett rejected this request and adhered to the prosecution’s recommendation for a 15-year term, stating that Sangha would need to show epic resilience during her incarceration.

The broader criminal scheme involved licensed doctors and Perry’s personal assistant. Reports indicate the anesthetic was sold for $12, though the assistant reportedly paid $2,000 per vial. Sangha was the final of five defendants to be convicted in the investigation.