A woman at the center of a high-profile drug distribution case, linked to the fatal overdose of a well-known actor, has made a final appeal to the court ahead of her sentencing. Jasveen Sangha, who previously pleaded guilty to charges including distributing ketamine resulting in death, is asking judges to consider mitigating factors that could reduce a potential prison sentence of up to 65 years.
In legal documents filed this week, Sangha’s defense contested the prosecution’s characterization of her as an “organizer and leader” of a drug operation. Her legal team argued that actions like having a roommate store substances or running errands with a boyfriend did not establish a hierarchy where others were subordinate to her. They maintained she was not in a position of control, despite illegal activities occurring at her residence.
The defense highlighted Sangha’s personal circumstances, noting she has maintained sobriety for 17 months, participates in rehabilitation programs while in custody, and has no prior criminal record. They also pointed to her family ties and educational background as reasons for judicial mercy.
The case stems from the death of actor Matthew Perry in October 2023, which was ruled an acute effects of ketamine. Sangha admitted guilt to multiple federal charges, including distributing the ketamine that led to the fatality. According to the investigation, she supplied dozens of vials of the drug to an acquaintance, who then provided them to the actor’s personal assistant. That assistant later admitted to administering the ketamine to Perry on the day he died.
Prosecutors detailed efforts to obstruct the investigation, alleging Sangha and a co-defendant used encrypted messaging to discuss distancing themselves from the incident after learning of the death from news reports, and instructed each other to delete their communications.
A separate medical professional involved in prescribing ketamine to the actor has also pleaded guilty in a related case. That individual’s attorney stated their client accepted full responsibility, intended to surrender their medical license, and hoped the tragedy would lead to stricter oversight of at-home ketamine treatments.
Sangha’s sentencing will determine the final consequence for her role in the chain of distribution that ended in the actor’s death.
