Kenneth Iwamasa, the longtime personal assistant to the late Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his involvement in the ketamine overdose that caused the actor’s death in October 2023. The sentencing, handed down on Wednesday, marks the conclusion of the high-profile legal case, with Iwamasa being the final of five defendants to face judgment.
Iwamasa had served as Perry’s live-in personal assistant since 2022, earning $150,000 annually to support the actor. Over time, he became deeply involved in Perry’s daily life, maintaining direct access to the actor throughout his struggles with addiction. However, instead of helping Perry maintain sobriety, prosecutors described Iwamasa as an “enabler and drug supplier.”
In August 2024, Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death and serious bodily injury. Court documents revealed that Iwamasa, who lacked any medical training, repeatedly injected the actor with ketamine. On the day of Perry’s death in October 2023, Iwamasa administered multiple injections, including a final large dose, before leaving the residence to run errands. Upon his return, he discovered Perry unresponsive in his hot tub. An autopsy later confirmed that the actor died from the acute effects of ketamine combined with drowning.
During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett addressed Iwamasa’s role, stating, “You knew about his struggle with addiction. Your actions were reckless, not just on the day he died but in the days before.” The court further noted that Iwamasa continued to administer the drug even after witnessing Perry lose consciousness during previous injections.
During the hearing, Iwamasa expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to Perry’s family, saying he would regret his involvement forever. While his defense team argued that Iwamasa was an employee carrying out his employer’s requests, the prosecution explained that his actions were a direct betrayal of the trust placed in him as a companion and guardian in Perry’s fight against addiction.
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