“Ketamine Queen” Jasveen Sangha Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry Overdose Case
Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," has pleaded guilty to federal charges for distributing ketamine that led to "Friends" star Matthew Perry's fatal overdose in October 2023.
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Overview
- Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the "Ketamine Queen," has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the fatal ketamine overdose of "Friends" star Matthew Perry, avoiding a trial.
- Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles home in October 2023, with the medical examiner confirming acute ketamine effects as the primary cause of his untimely death.
- Sangha and Erik Fleming allegedly distributed 51 vials of ketamine to Perry shortly before his death, with Sangha portrayed as a prolific drug dealer in the case.
- Her guilty plea includes charges for maintaining a drug-involved premises and distributing ketamine resulting in death, facing a potential sentence of up to 20 years.
- Prosecutors dropped other drug distribution charges as part of the agreement, allowing Sangha to avoid a scheduled trial and streamline the legal proceedings.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by consistently labeling the defendant as the "Ketamine Queen" in headlines and leads, sensationalizing her role. They emphasize the severity of the charges and her admissions, including a prior overdose death, to underscore her culpability. The coverage focuses heavily on the legal proceedings and the defendant's actions, reinforcing a narrative of a dangerous drug supplier.
"All five have now agreed to plead guilty, including the personal assistant of the “Friends” star, an old acquaintance and two doctors."
Associated Press"Jasveen Sangha has agreed to plead guilty to five federal charges, including selling "Friends" actor Matthew Perry the dose of ketamine that led to his death in October 2023, according to the Justice Department."
ABC News"Sangha agreed to plead guilty to five federal criminal charges, including that she supplied the ketamine that caused Matthew Perry's 2023 death."
CBS News"The addiction-plagued Perry’s body was found just before Halloween 2023."
Deadline"Sangha has agreed to plead guilty to five charges related to her involvement in the distribution of ketamine that resulted in Matthew Perry's death."
USA TODAY"Sangha faces a maximum sentence of 60 years in federal prison, according to the Justice Department."
BBC News"A California woman known as the “Ketamine Queen” has agreed to plead guilty to federal drug charges in connection with Matthew Perry’s fatal overdose two years ago."
NBC News"Jasveen Sangha becomes the fifth and final defendant charged in the overdose death of the “Friends” star to strike a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, avoiding a trial that had been planned for September."
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FAQ
Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' is a San Fernando Valley woman who pleaded guilty to federal charges for distributing ketamine that led to Matthew Perry's fatal overdose. She sold 51 vials of ketamine to Perry shortly before his death and was a key figure in the underground ketamine supply chain linked to the case.
Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The medical examiner confirmed the cause of death as acute ketamine effects, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects. The death was ruled accidental, resulting from a ketamine overdose which caused him to lose consciousness and drown in a hot tub.
Jasveen Sangha pleaded guilty to five federal charges including maintaining a drug-involved premises and distributing ketamine resulting in death. She faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. Prosecutors dropped other drug distribution charges as part of the plea agreement.
Five people have been charged in connection with Perry's death, including Jasveen Sangha, Erik Fleming, and physician defendants. Three have pleaded guilty, including a doctor, while others remain under investigation. The investigation revealed a broad underground ketamine supply chain to Perry and others.
Court records show that despite involvement in two overdose deaths, including Perry's in 2023 and another in 2019, Jasveen Sangha continued her illicit drug dealing, prompting a judge to revoke her bond and remand her to custody citing her unrelenting return to drug trafficking.
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