Erik Fleming, a drug counselor and acquaintance of actor Matthew Perry, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for his role in distributing the ketamine that led to Perry’s death. The sentencing, handed down by a federal judge in Los Angeles, also includes three years of supervised release. Fleming, 56, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death and one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
Fleming admitted to supplying 50 vials of ketamine to Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who administered the fatal dose. Prosecutors argued that Fleming, despite his role as a licensed addiction counselor, exploited his position to facilitate drug deals for personal profit. He obtained the ketamine from Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” who was sentenced to 15 years in prison earlier this year. Iwamasa is scheduled for sentencing on May 27.
In court, Fleming expressed remorse, stating he was ‘haunted’ by his actions and apologized to Perry’s family. He had requested a lighter sentence of three months in jail followed by a nine-month residential drug treatment program, but the judge denied the request. Fleming’s attorney argued for leniency, citing his cooperation with authorities, including providing information that led to Sangha’s arrest.
Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV series ‘Friends,’ was found dead in his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death an accidental overdose from ketamine. Other individuals involved in the case, including former physician Salvador Plasencia and another doctor, Mark Chavez, have also been sentenced for their roles in supplying Perry with ketamine.