A drug dealer involved in the fatal sale of fentanyl-laced heroin to the renowned actor Michael K. Williams has been handed a 30-month prison sentence by Federal Judge Ronnie Abrams. The dealer, Carlos Macci, aged 71, pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy in April, and he was part of a gang responsible for selling the deadly drugs to Williams on September 5, 2021, which tragically led to the actor's death at the age of 54.
Macci's accomplices, Irvin Caragena, Luiz Cruz, and Hector Robles, also pleaded guilty in connection to the lethal drug deal. The co-creator of "The Wire," David Simon, had requested leniency for Macci, but Judge Abrams emphasized that the sale of drugs like heroin and fentanyl not only claimed Mr. Williams' life but would now cost Macci his freedom.
Macci's defense attorney, Benjamin Zemen, argued in the New York Federal District Court that his client had been trapped in a cycle of drug addiction for many years. He contended that another prison sentence would not address the root causes of the issue or prevent future drug overdoses. On the other hand, US attorney Micah Fergenson highlighted Macci's repeated drug-related offenses and argued that time in prison might be beneficial in keeping him away from drugs.
Judge Abrams admitted that she found merit in both arguments, making the sentencing particularly difficult. Macci, expressing remorse, apologized to the judge through a Spanish translator.
After serving his time in prison, Macci will undergo three years of supervised release, including one year in an in-patient rehab program.
Despite some people advocating for a more lenient sentence for the elderly man, Williams' nephew, Dominic Dupont, emphasized the importance of accountability while also showing empathy for Macci's struggles. He stated that Michael K. Williams was a strong believer in love and second chances.
Williams' death led to the arrest of four members of a suspected drug ring in Brooklyn, with Cartagena identified as the alleged ringleader. The group operated a drug trafficking organization primarily focused on fentanyl and heroin-laced fentanyl. Cartagena was caught on surveillance footage selling the drugs to Williams on the tragic day, and he had previously been arrested twice on drug-related charges but was released under New York's bail reform policies before being arrested again in Puerto Rico after Williams' death.
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