Assistant to Matthew Perry set for federal sentencing Wednesday
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Los Angeles — Kenneth Iwamasa, the longtime personal assistant to actor Matthew Perry, is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday in federal court after pleading guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death. Authorities say the charges stem from Perry’s Oct. 28, 2023 death and a 2½-year nationwide probe into ketamine distribution.
This sentencing concludes the multi-defendant federal case as prosecutors seek a sentence of three years and five months for Iwamasa, who cooperated and became the prosecution’s key witness; defense filings described him as an employee with particular vulnerability in his relationship to Perry. Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett, who previously sentenced four co-defendants, will issue the final determination Wednesday.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Oct. 28, 2023 — Matthew Perry found dead at Pacific Palisades residence.
- 2. Late Oct. 2023 — Court documents allege multiple ketamine injections administered to Perry in days before death.
- 3. 2024 — Federal investigation identifies a nationwide network distributing ketamine linked to Perry.
- 4. Aug. 2024 — Kenneth Iwamasa pleads guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death and agrees to cooperate.
- 5. This week (Wednesday) — Iwamasa is scheduled for federal sentencing before Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett.
Why it matters
The Perry case highlights the ongoing national issue of illegal drug distribution. It's a reminder to stay vigilant about substance abuse within your community and family. If you suspect someone is struggling, reach out to local resources or hotlines for help.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
