Matthew Perry's assistant sentenced to 41 months for role in actor's death

Kenneth Iwamasa, the personal assistant to the late "Friends" star Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. The sentence marks the conclusion of the prosecution against five individuals involved in the actor's death.

Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, which resulted in death. He admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training, including the dose that proved fatal. Prosecutors stated that Iwamasa injected Perry at the actor's request before leaving his Los Angeles home on errands. Perry was found unresponsive by Iwamasa upon his return.

An autopsy report confirmed that Perry's death in October 2023 was caused by the "acute effects of ketamine." The potent anesthetic, which has hallucinogenic properties, is sometimes prescribed for depression but has also gained traction as an illicit recreational drug. The report indicated that ketamine contributed to Perry losing consciousness and subsequently drowning.

As part of his plea agreement, Iwamasa provided crucial evidence against the other defendants. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of at least 41 months, describing Iwamasa in court documents as Perry's "enabler and drug supplier." He had known Perry since 1992 and served as his live-in assistant since 2022. Previously, two doctors, a drug dealer, and an intermediary involved in obtaining ketamine received sentences, with the dealer, Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," receiving the longest sentence of 15 years.

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enabler and drug supplier