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Drug Counselor Sentenced for Role in Matthew Perry's Death

CrimeEntertainment5/13/2026
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A licensed drug addiction counselor has been sentenced to two years in prison for supplying the ketamine that led to actor Matthew Perry's death in 2023. Erik Fleming is the fourth of five defendants to be sentenced in the case, with Perry's personal assistant scheduled for sentencing later this month. The legal proceedings are concluding as the foundation established in Perry's name prepares to auction his memorabilia for charity.

Facts First

  • Erik Fleming, a licensed drug counselor, was sentenced to two years in prison for distributing ketamine resulting in death.
  • Fleming connected Perry to a convicted drug dealer and delivered 25 vials of ketamine to the actor's home four days before his death.
  • Four of five defendants have now been sentenced, with Perry's personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, scheduled for sentencing on May 27.
  • The medical examiner found Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning as a secondary cause.
  • An auction of Perry's memorabilia will benefit his foundation, established to help others struggling with addiction.

What Happened

Erik Fleming, a 56-year-old licensed drug addiction counselor, was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of probation in federal court on May 13, 2026. Fleming pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Fleming connected Matthew Perry to convicted drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, obtained ketamine from her, and sold 25 vials for $6,000 to Perry's personal assistant four days before the actor's death. Perry died in October 2023 from the acute effects of ketamine.

Why this Matters to You

This case highlights the serious legal consequences for medical professionals and caregivers who misuse their positions to supply illegal drugs. It may lead to increased scrutiny of ketamine clinics and addiction counseling practices. The sentencing of multiple individuals, including doctors and a counselor, serves as a stark warning about the dangers of the illegal drug trade intersecting with legitimate medical treatment.

What's Next

The final defendant, Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's longtime personal assistant, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27. With the legal proceedings concluding, attention may shift to the ongoing work of the Matthew Perry Foundation, which is set to benefit from an auction of the actor's personal valuables and 'Friends' memorabilia.

Perspectives

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Erik Fleming expresses profound remorse and describes his actions as a 'grievous failure' driven by a mix of financial greed and a misguided attempt to help a friend.
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Prosecutors present a dual view of the defendants, arguing that Fleming's betrayal of his role as a counselor warrants a harsher sentence while acknowledging his cooperation, and asserting that Sangha's drug distribution was motivated by 'greed and glamour'.
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Jasveen Sangha admits that her actions were 'horrible decisions' rather than mere mistakes and acknowledges the devastation she caused to families.
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Defense Lawyers attempt to mitigate the legal consequences for the defendants, with one group arguing that Fleming has 'gone to extreme lengths to atone' and another claiming the media's 'Ketamine Queen' label was a fabrication.
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Medical Professionals involved in the case range from expressing deep personal regret for failing to protect others to showing callousness through mocking messages.