A federal judge sentenced Erik Fleming to two years in prison for supplying the ketamine that killed Friends actor Matthew Perry, marking the fourth conviction in a case that exposed how multiple people exploited the star’s addiction for profit.
Counselor Supplied Surgical Drug That Killed Actor
Fleming, 56, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine after prosecutors proved he obtained the surgical anesthetic from Los Angeles dealer Jasveen Sangha and delivered it to Perry. The drug counselor received the ketamine from Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” then supplied it directly to the actor in the weeks before his death. Federal Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett also ordered Fleming to complete three years of supervised release and pay a $200 penalty. Perry died in October 2023 in his southern California backyard jacuzzi from acute ketamine effects.
Prosecutors requested a 30-month prison term while Fleming’s defense team argued for just three months in prison followed by nine months in residential drug treatment. Fleming told the court Wednesday that the case represents a nightmare he cannot escape. In court documents filed before sentencing, his attorneys claimed he went to extreme lengths to atone for his criminal conduct. Fleming wrote directly to Judge Garnett in April, stating he made the biggest mistake of his life and felt overwhelmed with grief and shame after learning of Perry’s death.
Five People Charged In Exploitation Scheme
Fleming is the fourth person sentenced in the federal case involving five defendants who authorities say exploited Perry’s drug addiction. Last month, dealer Jasveen Sangha received 15 years in prison for selling the fatal drugs. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who supplied ketamine to Perry before his death, received 30 months in December. Dr. Mark Chavez got eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release in December for selling ketamine to Perry.
Assistant’s Sentencing Still Pending
Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in personal assistant accused of injecting the actor with ketamine, faces sentencing on May 27 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. In his letter to the judge, Fleming admitted he procured the drug because he wanted money and mistakenly believed he was helping a friend. He apologized for what he called inexcusable behavior and accepted full responsibility, writing that he hopes his sentence provides justice and peace for everyone who loved the actor. Fleming’s sentencing memo emphasized his remorse and cooperation with federal investigators.