Irvin Cartagena, a Brooklyn drug dealer, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for providing Emmy-nominated actor Michael K. Williams with a fatal dose of fentanyl-laced heroin. The sentencing took place in Brooklyn’s U.S. District Court, presided over by Judge Ronnie Abrams. Cartagena, 40, pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to distribute drugs.
Williams, known for his role in the television series “The Wire,” died of accidental acute drug intoxication in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment in September 2021. Cartagena was identified as the supplier after authorities discovered a recorded transaction between him and Williams on a sidewalk in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, captured by a nearby security camera.
New York City’s medical examiner determined that Williams’ death was a result of the fentanyl-laced heroin. Cartagena faced a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. Three others involved in the drug-trafficking crew were also charged for continuing to distribute the deadly batch after learning of Williams’ death.
Carlos Macci, another individual involved in the case, was sentenced to over two years in prison last month. Cartagena expressed remorse for his actions before the sentence was announced, stating that he never intended for anyone to lose their life.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams condemned Cartagena’s involvement in the tragedy, emphasizing the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs and the ongoing fentanyl epidemic. Prosecutors revealed that Cartagena had fled to Puerto Rico but was arrested there in February 2022.
During the sentencing, Cartagena’s lawyer, Sean Maher, argued against a harsh sentence, highlighting that no amount of prison time would bring back the acclaimed actor. Prosecutors initially requested a minimum 12-year sentence, while the court’s Probation Department suggested 20 years due to Cartagena’s prior convictions for drug-related crimes.
Judge Abrams ultimately sentenced Cartagena to 10 years in prison, considering the severity of the offense but deeming the higher recommendations excessive.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy
