A San Diego‍ doctor, Dr. Keith Wedmore, was sentenced​ on Tuesday, December 16, 2024, to eight months of home confinement ‌for his ⁣role ⁤in illegally supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, who died in October ⁤2023.Wedmore⁤ pleaded guilty last year to a federal⁤ charge of illegally distributing a controlled​ substance.

According to the NBC News, Wedmore was also ordered​ to pay ‍a $7,500 fine and ‍complete 500 hours of community service. He admitted to prescribing ‌ketamine to Perry without a ⁤legitimate medical reason.

The Ketamine Distribution Scheme

The case revealed a network of⁣ individuals allegedly involved in supplying ketamine to ⁣Perry. Two additional defendants, Erik ‌Fleming and Jasveen Sangha, face more severe charges. ​Fleming pleaded‌ guilty to conspiracy to⁢ distribute ketamine‍ and distribution resulting in death and faces up to⁣ 25 years in prison. Sangha, described by prosecutors as “the Ketamine Queen,” faces up to 65 years in prison.Sentencing hearings for Fleming and Sangha are scheduled for early 2026, according⁢ to⁢ The Wrap.

Amasa, another ⁤defendant, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2026, and faces up to 15 years in prison.

Matthew Perry’s​ Battle with addiction

Matthew ‌Perry,best ⁢known for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom “friends” (1994-2004),had been open about his​ long-standing struggle with addiction. His ‍death was ruled an ⁣accidental drowning, ⁤with contributing factors including the acute effects of ketamine. Perry’s memoir, published shortly before his death, detailed ⁢his experiences with substance abuse and recovery.The New York Times reported on the coroner’s findings.

Ketamine and its Medical ‍Use

Ketamine is an anesthetic ⁢that has legitimate ⁣medical uses,including treating ‍severe ‍depression and chronic pain. However, it can be‍ addictive and carries important risks when used improperly or obtained illegally.​ Its use outside of a supervised medical setting can lead to serious ⁢health ⁤consequences, as tragically demonstrated in Perry’s case.

Key Individuals‌ and Potential Sentences