A Los Angeles judge sentenced Erik Fleming, a licensed drug addiction counselor, to two years in prison on Wednesday for his role in the death of actor Matthew Perry. Fleming, 56, pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death after acting as a middleman in supplying the drug to Perry.
Fleming expressed deep remorse in court, stating: “It’s truly a nightmare I can’t wake from. I’m haunted by the mistakes I made.” His defence argued for a lighter sentence of three months in prison and nine months in residential treatment, citing his cooperation and attempts at atonement. However, prosecutors noted his position as a drug counselor and his deliberate sale of illegal drugs to a vulnerable individual.
Fleming connected Perry to Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” who was sentenced to 15 years in prison last month. Fleming was the first defendant to plead guilty and provided information leading to Sangha’s arrest. He would have faced around four years without his cooperation.
Perry, who had a history of addiction, was found dead in his hot tub in October 2023 from acute effects of ketamine. He had been receiving ketamine treatments legally for depression but sought additional supplies from Fleming. Fleming delivered 25 vials for $6,000 four days before Perry’s death, which were later injected by Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.
Five people have pleaded guilty in the case, including two doctors, the assistant, Fleming, and Sangha. Iwamasa is the last defendant yet to be sentenced. The judge told the doctors they contributed to Perry's death by feeding his addiction, even though they did not supply the fatal dose.
