New York Drug Dealer Sentenced To 10 Years Behind Bars For His Involvement In Actor Michael K. Williams’ Death

On Friday, a drug dealer from New York City was handed a 10-year prison sentence. This was in relation to selling heroin containing fentanyl to the late actor Michael K. Williams.

In a news release, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York stated that Irvin Cartagena was also given a five-year term of supervised release for conspiring to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and a fentanyl analogue.

Speaking in court before his sentencing, Cartagena conveyed his regret. He stated, as reported by NBC News, “I am very sorry for my actions,” he said. “When we sold the drugs, we never intended for anyone to lose their life.”

In April, Cartagena pleaded guilty in a plea to conspiring to distribute the drugs. He was among four individuals accused of participating in a drug-trafficking group called the DTO. This organization was responsible for vending the lethal fentanyl-infused heroin to Williams approximately on or about September 5, 2021. Following Williams’ demise, Cartagena was arrested in February 2022 after attempting to escape to Puerto Rico.

On September 6, 2021, Williams was found dead in his penthouse apartment in Brooklyn, New York, due to an unintentional overdose of fentanyl. During Cartagena’s plea hearing, District Attorney Williams referenced the direct exchange of substances between the dealer and the actor. It was clarified that Cartagena provided the lethal drugs that led to Williams’ passing.

Williams gained significant recognition for his performances in acclaimed TV series such as “The Wire,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and “Lovecraft Country.” He also appeared in movies like “Assassin’s Creed” and “12 Years a Slave.”