An update in the investigation of Michael K. Williams' death has been made.
More than a year after the actor was found dead from a drug overdose in his New York City apartment,EAI Community Irvin Cartagena pleaded guilty on April 5 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogue, according to the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.
Cartagena, who prosecutors allege had sold the fentanyl-laced heroin that resulted in Williams' death, faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years behind bars, per a press release from the department.
"Irvin Cartagena sold fentanyl-laced heroin in broad daylight in New York City, feeding addiction and causing tragedy," U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said in a statement. "This Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable the dealers who push this poison, exploit addiction, and cause senseless death in our community."
Prosecutors allege Cartagena continued to sell fentanyl-laced heroin despite knowing that Williams had died as a result of the product.
Williams was found dead in his residence in the afternoon of Sept. 6 2021. Later that same month, the New York City of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to E! News that Williams died due to acute intoxication from the "combined effects of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine."
Williams' death came two weeks before he was set to attend the 2021 Emmys, where he was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Tobias Menzies, who took home the honor, dedicated his Emmy win to the late actor at the award show. Meanwhile, Kerry Washington paid tribute to Williams in a moving speech.
"Michael was—so crazy to say, was—a brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being who has left us far too soon," Washington said. "Michael, your excellence and artistry will endure. We love you. I know you are here because you wouldn't miss it."
E! News has reached out to Cartagena's attorney for comment but hasn't heard back.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App2025-05-02 11:51746 view
2025-05-02 11:382913 view
2025-05-02 11:232026 view
2025-05-02 10:571120 view
2025-05-02 10:212907 view
2025-05-02 09:521861 view
A federal appeals court blocked Nasdaq rules to increase boardroom diversity, saying that the Securi
Clint Eastwood is honoring his love.The Million Dollar Baby star confirmed the death of Christina Sa
DETROIT (AP) — A giant slide in Detroit reopened Friday, and no one lost a tooth — yet.The slide at