A woman who admitted to selling ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, leading to his death in 2023, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison by a judge. During the hearing, the judge emphasized the defendant’s need for resilience following her self-improvement statements. The 42-year-old defendant, Jasveen Sangha, was singled out for her role in Perry’s death and her involvement in drug dealing activities. The sentencing, which exceeded that of her four co-defendants combined, marked a significant moment in the 2.5-year investigation and prosecution that followed Perry’s overdose.
Keith Morrison, Perry’s stepfather and NBC’s Dateline correspondent, expressed ongoing sadness over the loss, highlighting Perry’s unique qualities and potential for more in life. Sangha, before being sentenced, acknowledged her responsibility in causing Perry’s death and expressed remorse for the impact of her actions on others’ lives.
Prosecutors depicted Sangha as a prominent figure in the drug trade, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” who maintained a lavish lifestyle catering to elite clientele. Despite the defense arguing for a shorter sentence based on Sangha’s time served and lack of prior criminal record, the judge imposed the requested 15-year term.
Perry’s death, attributed to a ketamine overdose, was a result of his seeking more of the drug beyond prescribed limits. The chain of events leading to his fatal dose involved multiple individuals, including Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Sangha, who facilitated the drug transactions. The sentencing process raised questions about the varying degrees of culpability among the defendants, with the judge ultimately considering Sangha’s extensive drug operation and continued involvement post-tragedy in determining her sentence.
Family members of both Perry and Sangha shared their perspectives in court, underscoring the widespread impact of the incident. The judge acknowledged the complexities of the case and encouraged Perry’s family to seek closure through the pursuit of justice.
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