Matthew Perry death: 'Ketamine Queen,' drug-dealing doctor's trial in 2025
The trial of Jasveen Sangha, aka the "Ketamine Queen," and Dr. Salvador Plasencia—who allegedly provided drugs to late actor Matthew Perry—is set to begin on March 4, 2025. The two are among several individuals charged in connection with Perry's death from a drug overdose in October 2023. If convicted on the numerous charges they face, Sangha and Plasencia will likely spend most of their lives behind bars, with Sangha possibly facing a life sentence.
Accused face multiple charges: A detailed look
Sangha and Plasencia are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Sangha reportedly also faces additional charges—including one count of maintaining drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine. Both have entered not-guilty pleas. Plasencia, who allegedly worked with Dr. Mark Chavez (who is also charged), faces seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records.
Accused could face decades in prison
According to the office of US Attorney Martin Estrada, if convicted of all charges, Sangha could face a mandatory minimum sentence of a decade in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Plasencia is looking at up to a decade in federal prison for each ketamine-related count and up to 20 years in federal prison for each record's falsification count.
Other defendants to appear in court
Dr. Chavez, who is out on a $500K bond after a hearing on August 30, is likely to appear before US Magistrate Judge Jean Rosenbluth on October 2. Other defendants in the case, Erik Fleming and Kenneth Iwamasa, have their hearings scheduled for October 30 and November 6 respectively before Judge Garnett. Notably, Perry—best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in F.R.I.E.N.D.S—died of a drug overdose in his Pacific Palisades hot tub on October 28, 2023.
