Matthew Perry’s former assistant sentenced to 3 years and 5 months over actor’s overdose case

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Matthew Perry’s former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was sentenced on Wednesday, May 27, to 3 years and 5 months in federal prison for his role in the actor’s 2023 overdose case. Judge Lisa Ferguson handled the case.

Just a day before the hearing, a new court filing claimed federal prosecutors accused Iwamasa of trying to destroy evidence linked to Perry’s death. Prosecutors said he threw away syringes after the actor died and changed the password to Perry’s phone.

The sentencing marked the final court outcome among the five people charged in connection with Perry’s death on October 28, 2023. Iwamasa was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and report to authorities by noon on July 17.

Kenneth Iwamasa sentenced to prison in Matthew Perry overdose case

During the sentencing hearing, Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, directly confronted Iwamasa in court and accused him of failing the actor. “You could have called someone... You didn’t do that, did you?” Keith Morrison said. “But you didn’t because you were living a pretty damn good life... You were living like a king... That’s the motivation.”

He also reminded the court that Iwamasa had been close to Perry for years. “Kenny had been around a long time,” he said.

Judge Ferguson said Iwamasa was not just an employee but someone who had been around Perry for years and regained a strong influence in his life in 2022.

She told him, “Your motive was: You were going to be in this lifestyle for the rest of your life.” “What you are is the monster that killed him,” Judge Ferguson added.

What Kenneth Iwamasa told Matthew Perry’s family in court

Kenneth Iwamasa turned toward the Morrison family in court and apologized for his actions connected to Perry’s death. “I’m so sorry to all of you,” he said while speaking directly to the family. “I’m just so sorry,” he continued. “I’ve done illegal acts that I will forever regret. I will take that to my grave.”

His apology came shortly after court documents revealed new claims about what happened in the hours following Matthew Perry’s death. Prosecutors alleged Kenneth Iwamasa asked a person identified as “BM” to get rid of vials and syringes.

The filings also claimed he tried to remove traces linked to the case by having documents destroyed and digital records deleted.

Ahead of the sentencing, Caitlin Morrison and Madeline Morrison filed a victim impact statement on May 20, where they spoke about the pain their family has faced since Perry’s death.

They blamed Iwamasa for his actions and said the memories of their final goodbye with Perry will never feel the same again. Madeline Morrison said he had “tainted our final memories of saying goodbye” to Perry.