Matthew Perry’s Assistant Sentenced to Prison Over Fatal Ketamine Overdose

Kenneth Iwamasa, the live-in personal assistant to beloved Friends star Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to three years and five months in federal prison. This ruling comes following the tragic death of the actor in October 2023, which was caused by a fatal ketamine overdose. The 54-year-old actor was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, with coronary artery disease and drowning also listed as contributing factors in his passing.

A Los Angeles court handed down the sentence on Wednesday after Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. The 60-year-old was found to have repeatedly injected Perry with the drug, despite having no medical training. Investigations revealed that he worked alongside two doctors to secure approximately $50,000 worth of ketamine in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.

During the sentencing, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett highlighted Iwamasa’s awareness of Perry’s long history with addiction. The judge also noted that evidence had been concealed following the actor's death. Addressing the court and Perry's family, Iwamasa expressed deep regret, calling his actions illegal acts that he would regret forever. He expressed hope that his situation would serve as a cautionary tale for others in similar positions to make better choices.

The reaction from the Perry family was somber. Matthew’s sister, Caitlin Morrison, stated that she had no sympathy for Iwamasa. She pointed out that when the assistant left Perry on the night of his death, he was willfully abandoning a vulnerable person in a dangerous situation. In addition to his prison time, Iwamasa was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

This sentencing marks a significant milestone in the legal proceedings surrounding Perry's death. The investigation uncovered a network of individuals, including medical professionals and drug dealers, who allegedly exploited the actor's vulnerability. While the prison sentence brings a sense of legal closure to this chapter, the loss of the legendary actor continues to be felt deeply by fans across the globe.

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