Matthew Perry’s assistant gets 3 years, 5 months in prison for central role in actor’s ketamine death

Matthew Perry’s Assistant Gets 3-Year Sentence for Ketamine Death Role

Matthew Perry s assistant gets 3 years – Matthew Perry’s assistant received a three-year prison sentence on Wednesday, following a federal conviction for his part in the actor’s fatal ketamine overdose. Kenneth Iwamasa, who served as Matthew Perry’s personal assistant, was sentenced by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in Los Angeles after a 2.5-year investigation into the circumstances of Perry’s death on October 28, 2023. The 60-year-old assistant also faced a two-year probation term and a $10,000 fine. While the prosecutors had requested a stiffer penalty, Garnett opted for a sentence that balanced accountability with the absence of clear evidence of malice.

Reckless Actions in the Actor’s Final Hours

During the sentencing, Judge Garnett highlighted Iwamasa’s role in the addiction crisis that led to Perry’s death. “You were aware of his struggle with addiction,” the judge stated, noting that Iwamasa’s behavior was reckless, not just on the day of his death but in the days preceding it. Iwamasa had been Perry’s companion, enabler, and primary drug administrator during his final days, often giving him multiple ketamine injections daily. He was the last person to see the actor alive before he collapsed in his Jacuzzi, and later discovered his body after the incident.

“You were aware of his struggle with addiction,” Judge Garnett said. “Your conduct was reckless, not just on the day of his death but in the days leading up to it.”

Though the prosecution sought a harsher sentence, Garnett acknowledged Iwamasa’s position of trust. The judge noted that there was no definitive proof of intent, despite some family members contesting that view. “There is no hard evidence that you acted with malicious intent,” she emphasized, though the emotional weight of the case underscored the impact of his actions on Perry’s life and legacy.

From Guilty Plea to Central Testimony

Iwamasa’s guilty plea in August 2024 had made him a key witness in the case. He admitted to conspiring with a doctor to distribute ketamine, which ultimately caused Perry’s death. The actor had hired Iwamasa in 2022 as his assistant, paying him $150,000 annually for his role as a caretaker and companion. The arrangement included living in Perry’s Los Angeles home, where Iwamasa was responsible for managing his daily routine and medication.

According to the plea agreement, Iwamasa obtained ketamine from another physician, Salvador Plasencia, who taught him how to inject the drug. Plasencia was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison in July 2024. Iwamasa later sourced the substance independently, relying on Perry’s acquaintance Erik Fleming. Fleming received a two-year term in early April, just weeks before Iwamasa’s sentencing. The timeline of events revealed a pattern of dependency and oversight.

Ketamine’s Impact on Perry’s Health

Perry had used ketamine for depression, a treatment that became increasingly common as an alternative for mental health conditions. However, his regimen expanded far beyond prescribed limits, with Iwamasa playing a pivotal role in this escalation. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that ketamine was the direct cause of his death, with drowning classified as a contributing factor. In the days before the tragedy, Iwamasa injected Perry six to eight times a day, often without monitoring the cumulative effects.

Family’s Emotional Response

Letters from Perry’s family to the court painted a picture of betrayal and loss. Suzanne Morrison, Perry’s mother, described Iwamasa as a lifelong friend who had been trusted to support her son’s recovery. “Matthew trusted Kenny. We trusted Kenny,” she wrote. The family argued that Iwamasa’s actions reflected a failure in duty, as he was seen as a guardian in Perry’s fight against addiction. Their frustration was palpable, emphasizing the personal connection that made his role all the more painful.

The case has sparked broader discussions about the responsibilities of personal assistants and the role of addiction in celebrity deaths. Matthew Perry’s assistant gets 3 years, a sentence that reflects both the gravity of his actions and the circumstances of his guilt. As the final chapter in the investigation closes, the focus remains on how ketamine’s misuse contributed to the actor’s untimely end.