Matthew Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison for administering ketamine to the actor, which resulted in his death. Iwamasa had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death and was the last of five co-defendants to receive a sentence in the case. He administered ketamine to Perry multiple times on the day the actor died and left him alone in the backyard hot tub, where he was found face down in the water on October 28, 2023. The 41-month sentence was recommended by prosecutors, who considered the harm caused by Iwamasa and his significant cooperation with investigators. Iwamasa had requested six months in prison and six months of home detention, but the final sentence was substantially longer.
Iwamasa’s conviction is the latest chapter in a case that involved five people, including the so-called “Ketamine Queen,” Jasveen Sangha, who sold the ketamine that was in Perry’s system when he died. Sangha was sentenced to 15 years in prison last month. Other co-defendants in the case received shorter sentences, such as Erik Fleming, who received two years in prison, and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Ketamine is a substance that can be used as an anesthetic, but it is also often used as a recreational drug. In Perry’s case, the ketamine was administered by Iwamasa, who stated he was “terribly sorry” and regretted his actions. Iwamasa’s cooperation with investigators was considered an important factor in determining his sentence.
Reaction from Perry’s Family and Friends
Perry’s family and friends expressed their grief and anger over the actor’s death. Lisa Ferguson, Perry’s longtime business manager and estate executor, stated that Iwamasa was a “monster” who had taken advantage of Perry to live a luxurious lifestyle. She also accused Iwamasa of lying to the family and taking pictures at Perry’s funeral. Perry’s death shocked fans of Friends, the popular TV show in which he starred. Chemical dependency is a common problem that affects many people, and Perry’s case is a tragic example of the consequences of drug addiction.
Impact of the Conviction
Iwamasa’s conviction and the convictions of the other co-defendants in the case may serve as a warning to those who engage in drugs and trafficking. Cooperation with authorities and seeking help are crucial to preventing tragic events like Matthew Perry’s death. Prevention and education about the risks of drugs are also essential to reducing violence and death related to trafficking.
