Matthew Perry's assistant jailed for 41 months over actor's ketamine death

May 27, 2026

Kenneth Iwamasa, Matthew Perry's live-in personal assistant, received a 41-month prison sentence for his role in the actor's fatal ketamine overdose in October 2023. Despite lacking medical training, the 60-year-old repeatedly injected Perry with ketamine and worked with two doctors to obtain over $50,000 worth of the drug in the weeks preceding the death. Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death and was the first of five defendants to accept a plea deal, though the last to be sentenced.

Who is affected

Kenneth Iwamasa (sentenced to 41 months in prison, two years supervised release, and a $10,000 fine)
Matthew Perry (deceased)
Perry's family members: his mother Suzanne Morrison and sisters Caitlin Morrison and Madeline Morrison
Four other defendants who received sentences: Jasveen Sangha ("Ketamine Queen," 15 years), Dr. Salvador Plasencia (30 months), Dr. Mark Chavez (8 months home detention), and Erik Fleming (2 years)

What action is being taken

Iwamasa has been sentenced and is slated to report to prison on July 17
He is ordered to pay a $10,000 fine
He will serve two years of supervised release following his prison term

Why it matters

This case highlights the criminal accountability of those who enable and profit from celebrity addiction, demonstrating that multiple parties can face serious legal consequences when their actions contribute to a drug overdose death. The sentencing sends a message about the duty of care owed by personal assistants and medical professionals to vulnerable individuals struggling with substance abuse, particularly when power dynamics and financial incentives are involved. The case also underscores how exploitation of addiction for profit can result in tragic outcomes and substantial prison sentences for all participants in an illegal drug supply chain.

What's next

Iwamasa is scheduled to report to prison on July 17, 2025, to begin serving his 41-month sentence, followed by two years of supervised release.

Read full article from source: BBC