The stepmother of the late “Friends” star Matthew Perry delivered an emotional plea for the harshest possible punishment against the woman dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” describing the family’s pain as “irreversible” in a victim impact statement filed just before the drug dealer’s sentencing Wednesday.

Debbie Perry, married to the actor’s father John Bennett Perry, urged a federal judge in Los Angeles to impose the maximum prison term on Jasveen Sangha, the 42-year-old North Hollywood woman who admitted supplying the ketamine that led to Perry’s fatal overdose in October 2023. Sangha could face more than 60 years behind bars after pleading guilty to five federal charges, including one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

“Please give this heartless woman the maximum prison sentence so she won’t be able to hurt other families like ours,” Debbie Perry wrote in the statement submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on April 7. She described the family’s ongoing grief, saying there is “no joy to be found, no light in the window” and that the loss “comes through our day everyday.”

The statement, obtained by multiple news outlets, highlighted the profound and lasting damage caused by Sangha’s actions. “The pain you’ve caused to hundreds maybe thousands is irreversible,” Debbie Perry continued. “You caused this. You who has talent for business, enough to make money, chose the one way that hurts people.”

Sangha, known among clients as the “Ketamine Queen,” ran what prosecutors described as an elaborate drug operation catering to high-end customers. She admitted to working with another dealer to provide dozens of vials of ketamine to Perry, including the dose that contributed to his drowning death at age 54 in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades home. Perry, who had long struggled with addiction and documented his battles in his 2022 memoir, was found unresponsive on Oct. 28, 2023.

The case has drawn intense public attention, shining a spotlight on the dangers of ketamine misuse, especially when obtained illegally outside clinical settings. Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic sometimes used legitimately for depression treatment under medical supervision, can cause severe respiratory depression and loss of consciousness when abused in high doses.

Sangha pleaded guilty in September 2025 to maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine and the count tied to Perry’s death. Her sentencing hearing was scheduled for Wednesday morning in downtown Los Angeles federal court. Prosecutors have recommended at least 15 years in prison, while her defense has reportedly sought time served or a lighter term.

She becomes the third of five defendants to face sentencing in the high-profile case. On Tuesday, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, one of the physicians involved, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in supplying ketamine to Perry. Another defendant, Perry’s live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and faces his own sentencing.

Prosecutors portrayed Sangha as a central figure in a network that profited from providing powerful drugs to vulnerable individuals. Court filings alleged she operated with sophistication, using multiple phones and catering to wealthy clients seeking ketamine for recreational or self-medication purposes. The government emphasized that her actions directly contributed to Perry’s death, even as the actor was attempting to manage his addiction.

Debbie Perry’s statement marked the family’s most public expression of grief and anger in recent months. While Perry’s biological mother, Suzanne Morrison, and other relatives have spoken sparingly, Debbie Perry’s words underscored the collective family trauma three years after the loss. The family has largely avoided the spotlight, focusing instead on honoring Matthew Perry’s legacy through his foundation and advocacy for addiction recovery.

Matthew Perry rose to global fame as the sarcastic Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom “Friends,” which aired from 1994 to 2004. He earned an Emmy nomination for the role and later starred in films and other television projects. Behind the success, however, Perry battled severe substance abuse issues for decades, including prescription opioids and alcohol. In his memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” he detailed his struggles with sobriety and the physical toll of addiction.

His death at 54 shocked fans worldwide and prompted renewed discussions about celebrity addiction, the opioid crisis and the emerging risks of ketamine. The actor had reportedly been receiving ketamine infusions legally for depression in the period leading up to his death, but the fatal dose came from illegal sources obtained through the charged defendants.

The case has unfolded slowly through the federal court system. Arrests began in August 2024, with Sangha taken into custody and held without bail. Her plea deal in late 2025 resolved the charges against her without a trial, allowing the focus to shift to sentencing.

Legal experts note that while the maximum statutory penalty exceeds 60 years, actual sentences in such cases often fall significantly lower based on guidelines, cooperation and other factors. Prosecutors’ push for 15 years reflects the gravity of the conduct while acknowledging typical federal sentencing ranges for similar offenses.

Sangha’s operation allegedly extended beyond Perry, with authorities claiming she supplied ketamine to numerous other clients. The “Ketamine Queen” moniker originated from her own communications and those of her customers, according to court documents.

The Perry family’s call for maximum punishment echoes victim impact statements in other high-profile drug cases, where relatives seek to emphasize the human cost beyond statistical sentencing calculations. Debbie Perry’s letter painted a picture of unrelenting sorrow that no prison term can fully alleviate, yet she argued that a strong sentence could prevent future harm.

” They won’t be back,” she wrote of lost loved ones. “That thought comes through our day everyday. There is no escape from these feelings.”

As the sentencing hearing proceeded Wednesday, courtroom observers anticipated emotional testimony and arguments from both sides. Sangha has remained in federal custody since her arrest. Her attorneys have not publicly commented in detail on the victim impact statement.

The broader case has raised questions about accountability in the illegal ketamine trade. While medically supervised ketamine therapy has grown in popularity for treatment-resistant depression, unregulated street supplies pose significant dangers, particularly when mixed with other substances or used by individuals with underlying health issues.

Perry’s death certificate listed the cause as “acute effects of ketamine” with contributing factors including drowning and coronary artery disease. The actor had reportedly received multiple ketamine injections in the days before his death from unauthorized sources.

Advocates for addiction recovery have used the case to call for better regulation, increased access to legitimate treatment and destigmatization of substance use disorders. Perry himself had become an advocate in his later years, supporting sober living initiatives and sharing his story to help others.

As Wednesday’s proceedings unfolded, the entertainment world watched closely. “Friends” co-stars and Hollywood figures have expressed continued support for the Perry family while avoiding direct commentary on the legal case.

The sentencing represents a significant milestone in the justice system’s response to Perry’s death, though it will not bring closure to the family’s grief. Debbie Perry’s statement served as a powerful reminder of the human stakes in what might otherwise be viewed as a routine drug distribution prosecution.

Federal sentencing guidelines consider factors including the quantity of drugs, the defendant’s role, criminal history and the outcome of the offense. The count tied to death carries the most severe potential penalty, elevating the case beyond standard narcotics charges.

Regardless of the exact term imposed, the Perry family has made clear their desire for a sentence that reflects the irreversible loss they attribute to Sangha’s actions. “You caused this,” Debbie Perry wrote, directing her words at the defendant.

As the judge weighs the arguments, the case continues to highlight the complex intersection of celebrity, addiction, illegal drug markets and federal prosecution. For the Perry family, it marks another chapter in their long journey of mourning while seeking accountability.

Matthew Perry’s legacy endures through his work, his foundation and the conversations his death has sparked about recovery and responsibility. On Wednesday, those themes converged in a Los Angeles courtroom as his stepmother’s words echoed the family’s enduring pain and demand for justice.

The benchmark KSE-100 index at the Pakistan Stock Exchange jumped more than 12,000 points in trading at one point, marking its largest intraday gain in absolute terms. This prompted an automatic temporary halt in trading under exchange regulations designed to manage extreme volatility.

The rally came after confirmation of a two-week ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran. Under the arrangement, the United States agreed to pause planned military operations, while Iran committed to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route responsible for transporting a significant share of the world’s energy supplies.

Investors had been on edge for weeks as escalating tensions in West Asia triggered sharp market swings. The KSE-100 index had previously suffered a major setback on March 2, plunging more than 16,000 points amid reports of a high-profile assassination tied to the Supreme leader.

Pakistan’s leadership welcomed the development. Officials indicated that the ceasefire could pave the way for diplomatic negotiations, with discussions potentially taking place in Islamabad in the coming weeks. Government representatives expressed hope that the temporary truce would evolve into a more durable agreement.

Live Events

A Leader Shaped Early by Pressure and Discipline

Joshua Chefec’s story starts in Great Neck, New York, a place he describes as “a pretty competitive and high-achieving environment.” From a young age, he learned how to perform under pressure.

He wasn’t just focused on academics. He was also a serious clarinetist. He earned first chair in high school and performed at Carnegie Hall multiple times. “That definitely taught me how to handle a big stage and a lot of pressure at a young age,” he says.

At the same time, he played multiple sports, including soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and tennis. That mix of team play and individual focus would later shape how he leads in business.

Outside of school, he stayed active. Skiing, scuba diving, and boating were part of his routine. That drive to stay engaged and push limits has stayed with him.

Tulane, Finance, and an Early Start in Banking

Chefec moved to New Orleans for college, attending Tulane University. He graduated in just three years with a finance degree, helped by 29 AP credits.

He didn’t wait until graduation to start working. While still in school, he took roles in wealth management offices. By his junior year, he landed an internship at J.P. Morgan in Asset & Wealth Management.

“That really set the stage for everything else,” he says.

After graduating, he stepped into the world of middle-market finance at FGI Capital. There, he worked on debt deals for private equity firms and companies navigating leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations. He also helped build out a private equity coverage model.

It was a fast introduction to complex financial work. It also gave him exposure to senior professionals early in his career.

Building from Scratch in New York

Chefec’s next move tested his ability to build something new. At ExpoCredit, he opened the company’s first New York office.

He wasn’t handed a playbook; he created the strategy himself. He sourced deals, built relationships, and executed transactions from start to finish.

“I was responsible for the whole strategy,” he says, “from sourcing deals to execution.”

This experience shaped how he approaches leadership. It forced him to think clearly, move fast, and take ownership.

He later joined LSQ as a Regional Vice President. There, he managed business development across New York and handled partnerships with large financial institutions.

The JPMorgan Years: Growth and Recognition

Chefec returned to JPMorgan Chase in 2018 as a Vice President in commercial banking. This period marked a major step forward in his career.

He focused on mid-sized companies across industries like consumer retail, media, and manufacturing. Over time, he built strong relationships and delivered consistent results.

Between 2020 and 2022, he generated over $9.5 million in new revenue. He also brought in dozens of new client relationships.

In 2022, he earned “Club Elite” status, one of the firm’s top honors for bankers.

“That performance came from staying focused and doing right by clients,” he says.

By 2023, he was promoted to Executive Director after a full 360-degree review process. He later became Market Executive, co-leading a team of nearly 30 bankers in New York.

In that role, he helped manage a multi-million dollar business serving hundreds of clients. He also led hiring efforts, bringing in more than 20 team members.

“When I build a team, I want to ensure that there is diversity of thought,” he says. “That’s how you make better decisions.”

Leadership Style: Integrity, Clarity, and Follow-Through

Chefec believes strong leadership starts with integrity.

“My industry is about doing right by people,” he says. “It’s about building trusting relationships and following your words with action.”

He also values clear thinking and communication. In finance, decisions often involve complex situations. He focuses on breaking those down and staying grounded.

He doesn’t overcomplicate things. “I keep lists of things, but I try not to over-engineer my career or my life,” he says.

Instead, he relies on discipline and mental toughness. “I focus on grit and not allowing myself to be self-defeating,” he explains. “I think about what advice I would give to others in my situation, and I tell that to myself.”

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Focused

Chefec is open about facing challenges early in life. He grew up in a difficult home environment and had to mature quickly.

He also faced setbacks during his transition into the professional world. Those experiences forced him to reset and rebuild.

“I was forced to grow up much faster than others,” he says. “I overcame those things by being resilient and focused and going after what I want.”

That mindset continues to guide him today. He measures success on his own terms.

“Success can only be defined by yourself,” he says. “It’s about being content with the sum of the parts of your life.”

Looking Ahead

Chefec continues to stay active outside of work. He skis, plays tennis, and enjoys cooking. He also gives back through organizations like W!SE, helping improve financial literacy and career readiness.

As his career evolves, his focus remains steady: build strong teams, make thoughtful decisions, and stay grounded.

And keep growing.

“Success comes when you challenge yourself to grow, learn, and enrich the lives of others,” he says.

The deal puts Sheffield’s IntelliAM into the central belt of Scotland

AI software firm IntelliAM has acquired Scottish maintenance specialist RBM Lubrications & Monitoring Solutions in a £25,000 deal.

The acquisition is said to follow a long-standing relationship between the two businesses, lasting more than seven years. As part of the deal, seven RBM Lubrications employees have transferred to £3.2m turnover IntelliAM alongside engineering assets and vehicles.

RBM Lubrications founder Brian Sarginson has also joined as vice president of IntelliAM Scotland. The deal is structured as a deferred consideration with cash payable at the end of 2029.

Tom Clayton, CEO of IntelliAM, which specialises in industrial asset management systems, said: “We are delighted to formalise our long-standing relationship with RBM through this acquisition. Having worked closely together for over seven years, this is a natural and strategically important step for both businesses.

“It strengthens our presence in the central belt of Scotland, a key hub for UK manufacturing, and enhances our ability to deploy IntelliAM’s advanced Intelligent Asset Management solutions at scale. We see a significant opportunity to drive improved productivity and asset reliability for industrial customers in the region through the application of AI, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation for growth.”

RBM generated revenues of £648,331 for the year ended July 31, 2025 and was profitable. IntelliAM anticipates the acquisition to be modestly accretive to full‑year 2027 profit and to make a positive and growing contribution to margins and profitability over time.

Brian Sarginson, CEO of RBM Lubrications, said: “Having partnered with IntelliAM for many years, I am pleased to be joining the Group at such an exciting stage in its development. This transaction brings together deep domain expertise in lubrication and reliability with IntelliAM’s cutting-edge AI capabilities.

“I believe this combination will deliver substantial value to customers across Scotland and beyond, and I look forward to supporting the next phase of growth as we expand our offering and impact in the region.”

Last year, IntelliAM expanded into the building products sector, securing new contracts with Marshalls, Tarmac, H+H and Knauf in both the UK and Japan.

A small number of tankers are beginning to move through the Strait of Hormuz, United Refining CEO John Catsimatidis said Wednesday, signaling a tentative restart at the critical oil choke point.

“Right now, the ships are moving. Ten ships are scheduled to be moving in the next few hours,” Catsimatidis, also the CEO of New York City grocery chain Gristedes, told “Varney & Co.,” citing what he said was information from Greek shipping executive Nikolas Tsakos. Fox News Digital has not independently verified the claim.

Under normal conditions, Catsimatidis said, as many as 100 tankers pass through the narrow waterway each day, making the current flow a fraction of typical traffic.

Reports suggest that, despite the ceasefire, many ships remain stalled or are moving cautiously through the Strait amid lingering security concerns.

IRAN STRIKES COULD SIGNAL LIMITS OF BEIJING, MOSCOW’S POWER AS US FLEXES STRENGTH

Tankers are seen at the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in the Sharjah Emirate, along the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil output pass (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Catsimatidis said the limited movement reflects what he described as ships needing to seek permission from authorities before transiting the Strait.

The comments come amid a drop in oil prices as the market reacted Wednesday to a bilateral ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.

OIL HAS SURGED SINCE THE IRAN CONFLICT, BUT GAS PRICES MAY NOT BE DONE RISING

John Catsimatidis attends The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s 2021 Fall Gala at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on November 17, 2021, in New York City. (Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The truce, announced Tuesday, calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a move seen as critical to stabilizing global oil flows and easing pressure on high energy prices.

Catsimatidis predicted that oil prices could continue to fall if stability holds in the coming weeks.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

“The minute we settled something, it went down $20 a barrel and, right now, we’re still in a risk period,” he explained.

“Let’s see what happens in the next two weeks. Once that risk period goes away, it’s going to go down another $20 a barrel. It’ll get closer to the $65 a barrel that we were prewar, and all of that is dependent on the free flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.”

This article was written by

Follow

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Short position through short-selling of the stock, or purchase of put options or similar derivatives in DGRO over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s own and do not represent the opinions or recommendations of an SRO or broker-dealer. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Readers should consult their own financial advisor before making investment decisions. As a reminder, investment products: Are NOT FDIC insured. Not deposits of, or obligations of a bank, and may be subject to investment risk, including a possible loss of principal.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

The boss of the Newcastle theatre answers our questions

Michael Slavin is chief executive of Northern Stage, the largest producing theatre in the North East. Having previously held senior leadership roles including chief operating officer at 11Arches, the charity behind Kynren, and interim chief executive of York Theatre Royal.

What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? I started my first ‘proper job’, that wasn’t a paper round, on the day of my 16th birthday. It was at the Co-op in the village I grew up in, and I got paid £2.32 per hour. It’s so long ago that we got paid weekly, by cheque!

What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? I’ve been fortunate to work with some brilliant people, and I’ve learned a lot from listening to and observing them. An early boss of mine always said the secret to a great career was to keep moving forwards. Whatever happens, whatever you face, keep putting one foot in front of the other and going forward. It might sound simple, but it’s served me well.

What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing? This is tricky, as I’ve worked across sectors, but the wage stagnation that occurred through the 2010s, which led into the pandemic and then the explosion in inflation that followed, has definitely been hard for everyone. In theatre, we rely on our audiences having the money and the desire to come to productions, and on public subsidy to keep making the work that we do. Both of those things come under pressure when there is no growth in the economy. That said, theatre has seldom been more important than it is now as an engine for empathy, a place of joy, and a shared space. So whatever the challenges, we keep going.

What would your dream job be? I’m sorry to be that guy, but my current job is the answer.

What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Work hard, ask questions, build a network – but most importantly, find the fun. It is a privilege to work in the arts and we reach people across society. If we can’t take pleasure and joy in getting productions on stage and delivering our outreach programmes, then we’re doing it wrong.

What makes the North East a good place to work? The people. The welcome I’ve received in Newcastle and beyond has been extraordinary. The team at Northern Stage have been kind and positive (and forgiving of all my questions!), and I’ve met people across the city who have been warm and helpful, but also driven to make Newcastle all it can be. It’s been phenomenal, and I’m excited for all the city is, and all it can be.

How important is it for business to play a role in society? To me, it is vitally important. Society is not a given; it’s something we all have a duty to work at, support, and maintain, and that comes with responsibilities. That could be through job creation, skills delivery, funded places, or partnership working, but businesses can, and should, engage with local people and support opportunities.

Outside of work, what are you really good at? I’m a keen home cook and love baking with my two daughters. Our speciality is banana bread, but they’re getting to the stage where they can do it without me, so I need to learn some new recipes!

Who would play you in a film about your life? What a question! I did a straw poll of some friends and the answer is… Nelson Franklin (Robby in New Girl), largely because we are both tall and wear glasses.

Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? This is a big question, so I’ve limited myself to people who are alive: Paul McCartney, because he’s a genius and a Beatle; Zadie Smith, who is a generationally talented author and a brilliant essayist; and Yas Rana, who is a prolific cricket journalist and podcaster. There’s no way you could have a dull conversation with those three around the table!