Federal authorities revealed on Wednesday, February 2 that four men have been accused and arrested in connection with Michael K. Williams’ overdose death.
According to the United States Department of State, Irvin Cartagena, 39, Hector Robles, 57, Luis Cruz, 56, and Carlos Macci, 70, were arrested Tuesday and charged in federal court with “conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl analogue, fentanyl, and heroin.”
Cartagena, who was detained in Puerto Rico, is also accused with killing Williams as part of a drugs conspiracy, which carries a required minimum penalty of 20 years in jail and a maximum term of life in prison.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated, “Michael K. Williams, a distinguished actor and producer, tragically overdosed in his New York City residence from fentanyl-laced heroin.”
“Today, we announce the arrests of members of a drug crew, including Irvin Cartagena, the man we believe sold the deadly dose of drugs to Michael K. Williams, in collaboration with our law enforcement allies at the NYPD.”
Federal officials allege in a criminal complaint filed by Cartagena, according to a statement posted by the Justice Department.
Screenshots from security camera purportedly showing the transaction were also supplied by federal officials. Authorities further said that the defendants “continued to sell fentanyl-laced heroin, in broad daylight, amidst residential apartment complexes, in Brooklyn and Manhattan,” despite knowing Williams died after being sold fentanyl-laced heroin.
Williams was discovered dead in his Brooklyn residence by his nephew on September 6, 2021, along with drug paraphernalia, according to the New York Post at the time. He was 54 years old at the time.