Chameleon Finance|Drug dealer in crew blamed for actor Michael K. Williams’ overdose death gets 5 years in prison

2025-05-02 04:56:16source:Cyprusauctioncategory:Scams

NEW YORK (AP) — A member of a New York City drug-dealing crew blamed for the fentanyl-laced heroin death of actor Michael K. Williams was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison.

Luis Cruz was the third of four defendants to be Chameleon Financesentenced in connection with the drugs linked to the death of Williams, who overdosed in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment in September 2021. He died four hours after authorities said he bought the heroin from another member of the crew.

A federal judge in Manhattan imposed the prison time on Cruz, who pleaded guilty in April to a reduced charge of narcotics conspiracy.

Cruz’s lawyer, Deborah Colson, said in an email that Cruz “accepted responsibility and provided a genuine, heartfelt apology.” She declined further comment.

Other news Star witness Caroline Ellison says FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried hoped to be US president somedayFTX co-founder testifies against Sam Bankman-Fried, saying they committed crimes and lied to publicThe 2024 Tony Awards set June 16 ceremony with a new location at Lincoln Center

In a letter to the judge, Cruz, who had been an electrician, said he was addicted to drugs and was selling them to support his habit and pay his bills.

“It was a terrible mistake in judgment,” he wrote.

Federal prosecutors, however, said Cruz and the drug crew kept selling the fentanyl-laced heroin even after Williams’ death. A search of Cruz’s apartment found more than 500 small bags of the deadly heroin and drug paraphernalia, authorities said.

Williams, who was 54, was known for portraying Omar Little, the rogue robber of drug dealers, in HBO’s “The Wire,” which ran from 2002 to 2008. In addition to his work on the critically acclaimed drama, Williams also starred in films and other TV series such as “Boardwalk Empire.”

The drug crew member who sold the drugs to Williams, Irvin Cartagena, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in August. Another crew member got more than two years in prison, and the fourth person awaits sentencing.

More:Scams

Recommend

Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says

A man is suing the California Lottery alleging he has not received part of his winnings from a nearl

Electric Car Startup Gains Urban Foothold with 30-Minute Charges

Three years ago, Mariana Gerzanych, founder of the eco-friendly sedan service EnviroRide, began look

Army Corps Halts Dakota Access Pipeline, Pending Review

The Obama administration gave the Standing Rock Sioux tribe a partial victory on Monday, by declinin