10-Year Sentence Given to NYC Drug Dealer Convicted in Death of Actor Michael K Williams

A drug dealer in New York City has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for supplying fentanyl-laced heroin to actor Michael K. Williams, leading to his death. This case has drawn attention due to Williams’ fame as an actor on the hit TV show “The Wire.”

The dealer, Irvin Cartagena, 40, from Aibonito, Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to distribute drugs. The fatal overdose occurred in Williams’ Brooklyn penthouse apartment in September 2021, shortly after he purchased the heroin from Cartagena on a Brooklyn sidewalk.

In addition to his role as Omar Little on “The Wire,” Williams had a successful career in film and other TV series, such as “Boardwalk Empire.”

Cartagena faced a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison, but ultimately received a 10-year sentence. Before the sentencing, Cartagena expressed remorse for his actions and stated that he never intended for anyone to lose their life.

The judge, Ronnie Abrams, acknowledged Cartagena’s positive qualities when he was not involved in drug-related activities and expressed hope that treatment would lead him to a better path.

Prosecutors revealed that Cartagena and others continued to sell fentanyl-laced heroin even after Williams’ death. Cartagena eventually fled to Puerto Rico and was apprehended in February 2022.

Cartagena’s defense lawyer argued that his client was only selling drugs to support his own addiction and that others in the area could have easily been involved in the transaction that led to Williams’ overdose.

Despite the prosecution’s request for a longer sentence, the judge determined that the 10-year term was sufficient punishment considering Cartagena’s prior convictions for drug-related crimes.