Matthew Perry’s assistant gets over 3 years in prison for injecting fatal ketamine dose
Kenneth Iwamasa, the former live-in personal assistant to actor Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to three years and five months in prison. The sentencing took place Wednesday in a Los Angeles federal court, marking the conclusion of a two-and-a-half-year investigation into the Friends star’s death.
Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett also ordered Iwamasa, 60, to serve two years of probation and pay a $10,000 fine. The judge described Iwamasa’s conduct as “reckless” in the days leading up to Perry’s passing on October 28, 2023.
The Role of the Assistant in Perry’s Death
Iwamasa served as Perry’s enabler and drug messenger, receiving a salary of $150,000 per year to live at the actor’s home. He was the last person to see Perry alive and the individual who discovered him dead in his hot tub.
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Court records reveal that in the final days of Perry’s life, Iwamasa was injecting the actor with ketamine six to eight times per day. On October 23, 2023, Iwamasa administered a large dose before leaving to run errands.
A Complex Web of Distribution
Iwamasa was the first of five defendants to reach a plea deal, pleading guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death. He became a key witness for prosecutors during the investigation.
The investigation identified other contributors to the drug supply. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who taught Iwamasa how to perform the injections, received two-and-a-half years in prison, while acquaintance Erik Fleming was sentenced to two years.
The most severe sentence was handed to Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” who was sentenced to 15 years in prison on April 8.
Emotional Testimony and Family Impact
During the proceedings, Perry’s stepfather, journalist Keith Morrison, stated that the family had trusted Iwamasa implicitly. He argued that despite any power imbalance, Iwamasa had the choice to make a phone call for help instead of continuing the injections.
Lisa Ferguson, Perry’s business manager and estate executor, offered a harsher critique. She alleged that Iwamasa deliberately isolated Perry from sober-living companions and medical workers to increase his own influence over the actor.
Legal Significance and Future Implications
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that ketamine was the primary cause of death, with drowning listed as a secondary cause. While Iwamasa’s attorney argued he was merely accommodating his boss, Judge Garnett clarified that he was “unwilling,” not “unable,” to say no.
With the fifth and final sentencing complete, the legal proceedings surrounding Perry’s death may now move toward the finalization of estate matters. This case could serve as a reference for future prosecutions involving the illegal distribution of prescription anesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Kenneth Iwamasa’s specific sentence?
He was sentenced to three years and five months in prison, two years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.
Who were the other individuals sentenced in connection with Matthew Perry’s death?
Jasveen Sangha was sentenced to 15 years, Salvador Plasencia to two-and-a-half years, and Erik Fleming to two years.
What was the primary cause of Matthew Perry’s death?
The LA County Medical Examiner found that ketamine was the primary cause of death, with drowning as a secondary cause.
How should the legal system balance the power dynamics between high-profile employers and their personal staff in criminal cases?