Erik Fleming, a licensed drug addiction counselor who was involved in the care of Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison. The sentencing took place on May 13, 2026, in a Los Angeles federal court presided over by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett.
Fleming previously entered a guilty plea to charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death. He admitted to facilitating the sale of 51 vials of the substance to the late "Friends" star, including a significant batch delivered just days before Perry’s passing.
The actor was discovered unresponsive in his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. Authorities later determined that the acute effects of ketamine, combined with drowning, were the primary causes of his death.
According to court documents, Fleming sourced the drugs from Jasveen Sangha, an individual often referred to as the "Ketamine Queen." Fleming then marked up the price for profit, continuing to supply the actor despite being aware of his history of severe substance abuse.
Prosecutors had requested a sentence of at least two and a half years, arguing that Fleming exploited his professional position as a counselor to profit from a vulnerable client. In contrast, the defense team sought a three-month term paired with intensive drug treatment.
In a letter submitted to the court, Fleming expressed deep remorse for his actions. "I procured ketamine for Matthew Perry because I wanted the money and because I thought I was doing a favor for a friend," he wrote. "I never contemplated the worst possible outcome. This grievous failure will haunt me forever."
The sentencing has sparked significant public debate regarding the adequacy of the punishment. Many fans and observers have expressed frustration, arguing that two years is insufficient for a professional who facilitated the supply of a lethal substance to a client.
Legal analyst Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor and professor at Loyola Law School, noted the complexity of the public reaction. "The court gave significant weight to Fleming’s early cooperation and acceptance of responsibility, but many in the public feel the sentence fails to fully reflect the gravity of a trained counselor supplying a deadly substance to a vulnerable client," Levenson told CNN.
Conversely, some legal experts suggest that the sentence is consistent with federal guidelines for first-time offenders who cooperate early with investigators. These observers argue that the judicial system must remain objective, noting that harsher penalties are typically reserved for large-scale traffickers rather than individuals involved in isolated, high-profile cases.
This sentencing marks the fourth resolution in the broader investigation into Perry’s death. Jasveen Sangha, identified as the primary supplier, received a 15-year sentence in April, while other individuals involved, including Perry’s former assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, await their own sentencing hearings later this year.
The case has drawn renewed attention to the underground drug culture within Hollywood and the challenges faced by celebrities struggling with addiction. Perry had been notably transparent about his personal battles in his 2022 memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," where he detailed his long-term recovery efforts.
While the legal proceedings continue, the impact on the entertainment community remains profound. Millions of fans who grew up watching Perry as Chandler Bing continue to mourn the loss of the actor, who was 54 at the time of his death.
As the remaining defendants face their day in court, prosecutors have vowed to continue their pursuit of everyone involved in the supply chain. For many, however, the legal outcome serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in the illicit drug trade and the tragic consequences of addiction.
Information for this report was gathered from official court records, statements provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office, and reporting from CNN regarding the sentencing proceedings.