Irvin Cartagena, a 40-year-old drug dealer from New York City, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for his involvement in selling fentanyl-laced heroin to acclaimed actor Michael K. Williams, leading to the actor’s fatal overdose in September 2020.
Cartagena, hailing from Puerto Rico, had previously pleaded guilty to facilitating Williams’ overdose. The actor, best known for his iconic role as Omar Little in HBO’s series “The Wire,” was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment shortly after purchasing the tainted drugs from Cartagena in a transaction captured on a security camera.
Before the announcement of his sentence, Cartagena expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “When we sold the drugs, we never intended for anyone to lose their life.”
This development follows the sentencing of Carlos Macci, another member of Cartagena’s gang, to a 30-month prison term. Macci’s sentencing was accompanied by a plea from “The Wire” co-creator, David Simon, for leniency due to Macci’s age and struggles with addiction.
Williams’ tragic death prompted a thorough investigation into the Brooklyn-based drug ring responsible for the tainted drugs. It was revealed that Cartagena, also known as ‘Green Eyes,’ played a central role in the operation.
In addition to Cartagena and Macci, two other accomplices, Luiz Cruz and Hector Robles, have also pleaded guilty to their involvement in the drug ring.
The death of Michael K. Williams underscored the danger of fentanyl-laced drugs and the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. The actor’s passing sparked a call for action against drug dealers responsible for distributing such deadly substances.
Although the sentencing brings a degree of closure to the case, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the opioid epidemic and its devastating consequences.
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Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
