Kenneth Iwamasa, the live-in personal assistant of Matthew Perry, who played a significant role in the actor’s spiral into ketamine addiction and administered the fatal dose of the drug, was handed a three-year and five-month prison sentence on Wednesday. The sentencing was delivered by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in a federal court in Los Angeles. Besides the prison term, Iwamasa was also given two years of probation and a $10,000 US fine.
This marked the conclusion of a two-and-a-half-year investigation and prosecution following Perry’s death at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023. Judge Garnett, in her statement before the sentencing, highlighted Iwamasa’s awareness of Perry’s struggles with addiction and criticized his reckless behavior leading up to the tragic incident.
During the sentencing, Iwamasa expressed deep remorse, addressing Perry’s family and friends and acknowledging his wrongdoing. He pleaded guilty in August 2024 to a charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death, becoming a pivotal witness in the case.
In court, Iwamasa’s attorney argued for a shorter prison term, emphasizing his client’s loyalty to Perry and his lack of power in their relationship. However, Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, spoke on behalf of the family, highlighting the choices Iwamasa made and the impact of his actions.
The plea agreement revealed that Iwamasa obtained ketamine from a doctor, Salvador Plasencia, who instructed him on its administration. Plasencia had previously been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison. Additionally, Iwamasa procured ketamine from Erik Fleming, another individual involved in the case, who received a two-year prison sentence.
In the final days leading to Perry’s death, Iwamasa was administering frequent doses of ketamine to the actor. The LA County Medical Examiner determined ketamine as the primary cause of death, with drowning listed as a secondary cause.
Matthew Perry, known for his role in the popular sitcom “Friends,” alongside Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow, tragically passed away due to a ketamine overdose in 2023.