Kenneth Iwamasa, the former personal assistant to late actor Matthew Perry, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison on July 17 in Los Angeles. The court found him guilty of conspiring to obtain and inject ketamine, the drug that medical examiners say caused Perry’s death on October 28, 2023. In addition to the prison term, Iwamasa faces two years of probation and a $10,000 fine.

Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett Hands 12‑Month Sentence

U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett addressed Iwamasa directly, emphasizing his “reckless” conduct not only on the day Perry died but in the days leading up to it. The judge noted that Iwamasa was “privy to his struggle with addiction,” yet chose to facilitate illegal drug use. According to the sentencing report, Iwamasa must surrender to authorities by July 17 to begin serving his term.

Ketamine Conspiracy Plea by Kenneth Iwamasa

Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, admitting he repeatedly injected the actor without any medical training. He told the court he administered multiple doses on the day Perry was found dead in his jacuzzi. The plea agreement, as reported, placed Iwamasa among five defendants, including physicians and a drug dealer, all linked to the fatal chain of events.

Autopsy Links Ketamine to Perry’s October 2023 Death

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office released an autopsy and toxicology report in December 2023, concluding that acute ketamine toxicity was the primary cause of death, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine as contributing factors. the report confirmed that Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in his home’s jacuzzi after Iwamasa ran errands and returned to discover the scene.

Family Impact Statements Reveal Betrayal

During the hearing, victim impact statements from Perry’s mother Suzanne Morrison and sisters Madeline and Caitlin underscored a sense of personal betrayal. Morrison said Iwamasa’s “number one responsibility was to ensure that Matthew remained drug‑free,” while Madeline questioned whether the lethal dose was “only lethal by accident.” Caitlin suggested Iwamasa fled the house after the injection, either “escaping from something he knew he had done or willfully abandoning a vulnerable person.”

Unresolved Questions About Other Defendants

While Iwamasa’s sentence is now final, the broader case remains incomplete. the identities and legal statuses of the four other defendants—two physicians,a pharmacist, and a drug dealer—have not been disclosed in the source. It is still unclear whether they will face similar penalties or if additional evidence could shift the narrative of responsibility. As the investigation continues, observers are watching for further court filings that could clarify the full scope of the ketamine distribution network linked to Perry’s death.