Matthew Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, received a prison sentence of three years and five months for his role in the actor’s ketamine overdose, which led to Perry’s death. The federal court in Los Angeles delivered the verdict on Wednesday. Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett highlighted Iwamasa’s reckless conduct both on the day of Perry’s death and in the preceding days.
Iwamasa was the last of five individuals sentenced in connection to the case, which also included corrupt doctors and a street dealer known as ‘Ketamine Queen’ Jasveen Sangha, who received a longer sentence of 15 years.
Perry, who rose to fame as part of NBC’s sitcom ‘Friends,’ was found dead at age 54. Iwamasa, who was crucial in the actor’s final days, also became a pivotal informant for prosecutors.
The Assistant’s Influence
Iwamasa’s position was a debated topic during the hearing. His lawyer, Alan Eisner, described him as devoted to Perry, implying that his actions stemmed from a desire to please the actor. However, Judge Garnett challenged this view, stating that Iwamasa had the ability to refuse Perry’s demands.
Perry’s family expressed strong emotions, particularly blaming Iwamasa for the outcome. Perry’s stepfather, journalist Keith Morrison, and business manager Lisa Ferguson both emphasized Iwamasa’s choices, pointing out his failure to seek help for Perry.
Events Leading to Conviction
Hired in 2022 with an annual salary of $150,000, Iwamasa was close to Perry during his battle with addiction. After Perry’s death, the investigation found ketamine as the primary cause, with drowning as a secondary factor. Initially, Iwamasa misled police but later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death.
Public and Legal Reactions
During the sentencing, Iwamasa expressed remorse for his actions, while facing Perry’s family and supporters. Despite his apology, the family showed a mix of disappointment and relief that the legal process had concluded. Iwamasa was fined $10,000, given two years of probation, and ordered to start his sentence on July 17.
Iwamasa’s sentencing aligns with what prosecutors deemed appropriate, despite differing opinions on whether he exploited his relationship with Perry. Judge Garnett decided against additional charges of abusing a position of trust, recognizing that such charges typically apply to professional settings. However, she acknowledged that while there was no direct evidence of malicious intent, opinions on Iwamasa’s intentions varied.