5 People Charged in Death of Matthew Perry Given Sentencing Hearing Dates

Matthew Perry, who was best known as Chandler Bing on the television show Friends, passed away on October 28, 2023, at age 54. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accidental ketamine overdose, a finding that sparked both heartbreak and a federal investigation. Perry had been undergoing ketamine therapy under medical supervision, but prosecutors later discovered he was also receiving the drug through unauthorized channels. That revelation set the stage for a legal drama worthy of its own primetime special.

Matthew Perry’s Death: Sentencing Hearing Dates

Five defendants have admitted to roles in supplying or facilitating Perry’s access to ketamine. The defendants’ connections to Perry varied from professional to personal:

• Jasveen Sangha: Dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” she directly supplied Perry with the drug. She faces up to 65 years in prison and will be sentenced on December 10, 2025.
• Dr. Salvador Plasencia: A physician has been accused of distributing ketamine outside medical norms. Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty on June 23, 2024. He faces a maximum penalty is 20 years and has a sentencing date on December 3, 2025.
• Dr. Mark Chavez: A doctor who admitted to prescribing ketamine improperly. Dr. Chavez could receive up to 10 years and will be sentenced on December 17, 2025.
• Kenneth Iwamasa: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for helping facilitate access. He was Perry’s personal assistant. He faces up to 5 years, and his sentencing date is on January 14, 2026.
• Erik Fleming: An associate who helped procure ketamine for Perry. He could receive up to 25 years. His sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2026.

Matthew Perry: The Bigger Picture

Matthew Perry’s case shows celebrity culture, medical ethics, and the vulnerabilities of addiction. Ketamine has been used as a treatment for depression; however, Perry’s death highlights the dangers when powerful substances are misused outside of controlled environments and under proper medical care.

Fans of Perry are left with the memories of the actor who made millions laugh with his nerdy sarcasm, and the person who was undone by a system that failed to protect him. The defendants in the upcoming sentencing hearings pleaded guilty and will be held accountable for their roles in Perry’s untimely passing.

Matthew Perry’s Lasting Impression

Perry wasn’t just a sitcom star who made a generation laugh; he was a symbol of resilience and a voice desperately needed to bring attention to the ongoing struggles people face with addiction. He did not shy away from discussing his own addiction battle either. His death highlights the fact that fame does not shield someone from personal struggles. The legal proceedings remind us that choices have consequences.