Editor’s note: The tale in the movie player originally aired on Feb. 19, 2024.
Federal prosecutors said on Monday that two gentlemen were accused of providing the fentanyl-laced heroin that killed popular New York City trans activist Cecilia Gentili in February.
Text messages, body site data, and another evidence showed that 52- year- ancient Antonio Venti of Long Island sold Gentili drugs on Feb. 5, and Brooklyn resident, Michael Kuilan, 44, supplied Venti with the fatal narcotics, national prosecutors said.
Law enforcement officials searching Kuilan’s house likewise found plenty of baggies of fentanyl, a weapon and ammunition, according to Breon Peace, U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Previous sexual employee Gentili became a prominent advocate for sex workers, transgender people, and HIV/AIDS patients. In addition to her acting work, she appeared in the 1980s and 1990s’ FX broadcast line” Pose.”
Her nicely- attended death at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan drew anger in the Catholic community, including from the ancient church’s personal pastor.
On February 6, Gentili was discovered lifeless in her room. Prosecutors say the 52- year- ancient Brooklyn owner’s death was due to the combined influence of fentanyl, heroin, xylazine and cocaine.
Fentanyl, which is usually mixed with other medications, has accounted for roughly 70 % of drug related deaths nationwide, according to Frank Tarentino, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York office.
New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban said in a statement that” Today’s prosecution sends a strong message to anyone who profits from poisoning our communities with illegal drugs.”
The two men’s attorneys, who are scheduled to appear in court in Brooklyn later on Monday, did n’t respond to messages asking for comment right away.
