Jasveen Sangha (42) pleaded guilty last September to five counts of an indictment, including distributing ketamine that resulted in death or serious bodily injury. Prosecutors described her home as a "drug-selling hub" from which she funded a luxurious lifestyle.
Matthew Perry was found dead in October 2023 in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home. The investigation determined the cause of death was acute ketamine effects. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, approved for use only under medical supervision.
Ahead of sentencing, Perry's stepmother, Debbie Perry, urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, stating Sangha had caused "irreparable harm."
"You caused this. You had the ability to earn money in other ways, but you chose a path that hurts people. I ask that you give this heartless woman the maximum sentence so she cannot inflict pain on other families," she said in her address to the court.
During a search of the defendant's home, federal authorities found dozens of vials of ketamine, as well as thousands of pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax. Investigators allege Sangha distributed drugs from her North Hollywood home for years.
She initially denied the charges but later changed her plea and admitted guilt. As part of an agreement, she also admitted to selling ketamine in 2019 to a man who died of an overdose hours later.
Sangha faced up to 65 years in prison but was ultimately sentenced to 15 years. She has been in custody since August 2024. Her attorneys previously sought a lighter sentence, arguing she took responsibility and had no prior criminal record.
Matthew Perry had struggled with addiction for years and was using ketamine under medical supervision as part of depression treatment at the time of his death. Authorities state Sangha was one of five individuals who supplied drugs to the actor, exploiting his addiction for profit.
Other individuals have also been charged in the case, including doctors and Perry's assistant, who have also pleaded guilty. Doctor Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to 30 months in prison, while Doctor Mark Chavez received eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release.