A licensed drug addiction counselor was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison for distributing the ketamine that killed actor Matthew Perry [1], [2].
The sentencing marks a significant legal step in the investigation into Perry's death, highlighting the criminal liability of medical professionals who distribute controlled substances outside of legal prescriptions.
Erik Fleming appeared in a Los Angeles federal court on May 13, 2026, where he was ordered to serve 24 months in prison [1], [3]. Fleming had previously pleaded guilty to distributing the ketamine doses that were later identified as the cause of the fatal overdose [1], [4].
During the hearing, Fleming spoke about the emotional toll of his actions. "My chest and heart hurt every day," Fleming said [1]. He also said that he is haunted by the mistakes he made [4].
The case centered on the illegal supply of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic. While the drug is sometimes used in clinical settings for treatment-resistant depression, the distribution of the doses provided to Perry was illegal. The court's decision to impose a two-year sentence reflects the severity of the breach of trust by a licensed counselor tasked with treating addiction [1], [3].
Federal prosecutors emphasized the danger of diverting medical-grade drugs into the community. The case has drawn international attention due to Perry's fame and the public nature of his struggles with substance abuse. This sentencing concludes a key portion of the federal government's effort to hold those responsible for the actor's death accountable [3], [5].
“"My chest and heart hurt every day."”
This sentencing underscores the federal government's willingness to prosecute licensed healthcare providers who exploit their professional access to controlled substances. By sentencing a licensed addiction counselor to prison, the court reinforces that professional credentials do not provide immunity when medical practitioners engage in illegal drug distribution that leads to fatal outcomes.
