Erik Fleming gets 2 years in prison, $200 penalty in Matthew Perry overdose death sentence

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Matthew Perry’s death has led to prison sentences for people involved in the case. Eric Fleming, one of them, has been sentenced to two years in prison.

The sentence was announced on Wednesday morning, May 13, at a District Court in Central California. A judge gave the ruling after hearing the case. Before the hearing, Fleming’s lawyers said he had taken responsibility for what he did. They also said he had tried to make amends.

In the same case, Jasveen Sangha, 42, known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' was sentenced last month to 15 years in prison. Perry’s death shocked fans around the world. His co-stars from the show 'Friends' also shared memories and paid tribute to him. He was 54 years old when he was found dead.

Erik Fleming gets 2-year prison term in Matthew Perry death case

The ruling came after Fleming asked the court for a much lighter punishment. He had requested just 3 months in prison, followed by a 9-month residential narcotics treatment program and 3 years of supervised release. The judge did not accept this request and instead gave a longer sentence.

Fleming had already pleaded guilty in August 2024. He admitted to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. During the hearing, Fleming told Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett, “It’s truly a nightmare I can’t wake up from. I’m haunted by the mistakes I made.”

In a letter written in April before sentencing, he said, “I made the biggest mistake of my life, and I am so deeply sorry for the hurt I have caused.” He also described feeling “overwhelmed with grief and shame” after learning of Perry’s death. 

He also apologized for his "inexcusable behavior" and said he accepts full responsibility for his actions. In his final words to the court, he wrote, “I hope my sentence provides some measure of justice and peace for everyone who loved Matt.”

Matthew Perry's untimely death 

Perry’s death came as a huge shock to Hollywood. On October 28 at around 4:00 PM, Perry was found in the hot tub section of his backyard swimming space in Los Angeles. Emergency responders were called right away, but he was pronounced dead after paramedics arrived at the scene.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner said he died from the acute effects of ketamine. The report also mentioned other factors, including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a drug used in treating opioid use disorder. His death was ruled accidental.