Erik Fleming, a former drug counselor and producer, was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday for his role in the fatal ketamine overdose of actor Matthew Perry. Fleming, 56, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Prosecutors had sought a 30-month sentence, while Fleming's attorneys requested three months of prison time followed by supervised release. The judge ordered Fleming to turn himself in within 45 days and imposed an additional three years of probation.
Fleming admitted to distributing the ketamine that killed Perry on October 28, 2023, at the actor's Pacific Palisades home. He obtained the drug from Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," and supplied it to Perry's live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Sangha was sentenced to 15 years in prison last month for her role in the case. Prosecutors stated that Fleming knew of Perry's long history of addiction but continued to supply him with unmarked vials of ketamine, which were sold at a marked-up price.
Fleming expressed remorse during the sentencing, stating he felt "overwhelmed with grief and shame" and apologized to Perry's family. He acknowledged his actions caused immense pain to the actor's loved ones and fans. The case is part of a broader prosecution involving five individuals charged with distributing ketamine to Perry. Other defendants include former physicians Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, who were sentenced to 30 months and eight months of house arrest, respectively. Iwamasa has not yet been sentenced.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Perry's death was caused by an accidental ketamine overdose. Fleming's sentencing marks the latest development in the legal proceedings surrounding Perry's death, which has drawn significant public attention due to the actor's iconic role in the television series Friends.