Four men have been arrested in connection to the death of Michael K. Williams.
The award-winning actor, best known for his roles in “The Wire,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and “Lovecraft Country,” was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment on September 6, 2021.
He died as a result of using fentanyl-laced heroin.
Irving Cartagena, 39, has been charged with narcotics conspiracy after prosecutors said he distributed the heroin that resulted in Williams’ death.
Hector Robles, 57, Luis Cruz, 56, and Carlos Macci, 70, were charged as members of the alleged conspiracy.
According to court documents, on or about September 5, 2021, the defendants sold Williams the heroin, which was laced with fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue.
Cartagena actually executed the hand-to-hand translation.
Officials said despite knowing that Michael K. Williams died after using their product, the four men continued to sell fentanyl-laced heroin in broad daylight, around residential apartment buildings in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:
Michael K. Williams, a prominent actor, and producer, tragically overdosed in his New York City apartment from fentanyl-laced heroin.
Today, along with our law enforcement partners at the NYPD, we announce the arrests of members of a drug crew, including Irvin Cartagena, the man who we allege sold the deadly dose of drugs to Michael K. Williams.
This is a public health crisis. And it has to stop.
Deadly opioids like fentanyl and heroin don’t care about who you are or what you’ve accomplished.
They just feed addiction and lead to tragedy. The Southern District of New York and our law enforcement partners will not give up.
We will bring every tool to bear. And we will continue to hold accountable the dealers who push this poison, exploit addiction, and cause senseless death.
Watch the official statement below.
My thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s loved ones.
Source: ABC 7
