A woman who admitted to providing the ketamine that led to the death of actor Matthew Perry in 2023 has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by a federal judge. During the sentencing, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett emphasized the need for the defendant, Jasveen Sangha, to demonstrate resilience in overcoming her challenges.
Sangha, aged 42, received a sentence that surpasses the combined expected sentences of her four co-defendants due to her significant role in Perry’s demise and her involvement in a larger drug distribution network. The sentencing marked a crucial moment in the lengthy 2.5-year investigation and legal process following the tragic overdose death of the renowned 54-year-old actor, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular TV series “Friends.”
Keith Morrison, Perry’s stepfather and a correspondent for NBC’s “Dateline,” expressed the ongoing grief felt by him and Perry’s mother, Suzanne, over the loss of the actor. Morrison highlighted Perry’s unique qualities and talent, lamenting that he was deprived of further opportunities to shine.
Sangha, before her sentencing, expressed remorse and acknowledged the devastating impact of her actions on individuals and their families. Prosecutors portrayed her as a “Ketamine Queen” operating an elaborate drug enterprise to sustain a lavish lifestyle despite her privileged background.
The defense argued that Sangha’s time served since her indictment in August 2024 should be considered, given her lack of prior criminal record, exemplary conduct in custody, and the unlikelihood of her returning to drug trafficking. The judge deliberated on the sentences for all defendants, recognizing the complexity of the case and the varying degrees of culpability among them.
Perry’s tragic death was attributed to ketamine toxicity, with additional contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine use. Sangha was the last of the five individuals involved in supplying ketamine to Perry to plead guilty, accepting responsibility for her role in the chain of events leading to the actor’s untimely passing.
The judge’s decision to impose a lengthy prison term on Sangha was based on factors such as the scale of her drug operation, extensive history of drug distribution, and her continued involvement even after being aware of fatal consequences linked to her activities. Family members and friends of Sangha provided testimonials in court, emphasizing her positive attributes despite the gravity of her offenses.
The sentencing marked a somber moment for both the victim’s and the defendant’s families, with the judge acknowledging the complexity of the case and aiming to achieve a sense of justice amidst the tragedy.