Matthew Perry’s Aide Sentenced: The Inside Story of the Fatal Ketamine Case

Kenneth Iwamasa, Matthew Perry's assistant, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his involvement in Perry's ketamine overdose. Despite knowing Perry's addiction struggles, Iwamasa played a role in sourcing and administering the drug, ultimately leading to Perry's death in October 2023.

Kenneth Iwamasa, the longtime personal assistant of actor Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. This ruling by United States District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett comes as a result of Iwamasa's involvement in Perry's ketamine overdose in October 2023, as reported by Variety. In addition to the prison term, Iwamasa faces a USD 10,000 fine.

The US Department of Justice revealed that Iwamasa, who pleaded guilty in August 2024, was charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death and serious injury. He is the last among five defendants to be sentenced in connection to Perry's case. Court documents disclosed that Iwamasa, who had known Perry since 1992 and served as his live-in assistant since 2022, procured and administered ketamine to Perry during the weeks leading to his demise.

Prosecutors accused Iwamasa of enabling Perry's addiction. Despite no medical background, he allegedly injected Perry with ketamine multiple times. This was part of a larger scheme with physician Salvador Plasencia and drug counselor Erik Fleming to distribute ketamine intentionally. Although Perry's reaction to some doses was dangerous, Iwamasa ignored warnings and continued the distribution, leading to Perry's death.