In two separate cases, drug dealers from Brooklyn and Long Island have been held accountable for distributing fentanyl that led to fatal overdoses. Both cases involve fentanyl-laced drugs causing devastating loss, underscoring the growing epidemic in the region.
In Brooklyn federal court, Michael Kuilan pled guilty to distributing heroin and fentanyl that caused the death of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili in February 2024. Kuilan, 44, also pled guilty to illegal firearm possession, while his co-defendant, Antonio Venti, 52, of West Babylon, had admitted to the same drug charge earlier in July 2024. The two men were indicted in March, and both have now accepted responsibility for Gentili’s death.
Gentili, a prominent transgender rights advocate, was found dead in her Brooklyn home after consuming a mix of fentanyl, xylazine, cocaine, and heroin. Investigators determined that Venti had sold the drugs to Gentili the day before her death, while Kuilan supplied Venti with the lethal substances. Law enforcement also found a stash of fentanyl and a handgun during a search of Kuilan’s Williamsburg apartment.
“This case should bring closure to Gentili’s family and serves as a warning that we will relentlessly pursue fentanyl dealers,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. Special Agent Frank Tarentino of the DEA New York Division echoed the sentiment, adding, “We will continue to target those responsible for poisoning our communities.”
On the same day, in Central Islip federal court, Tyheim Smith, 23, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for distributing fentanyl that caused the death of a 25-year-old Suffolk County man in July 2021. Smith sold the victim fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, which the victim unknowingly consumed, resulting in his death.
Following the victim’s death, Smith continued to sell fentanyl, including five transactions with undercover officers. A subsequent search of his home in October 2021 uncovered 72 fentanyl pills marked as oxycodone and several loaded firearms. Despite facing charges, Smith remained active in the drug trade, leading to his federal arrest in April 2022.
“This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to confronting the deadly fentanyl epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Peace, highlighting the devastating impact Smith’s actions had on the Suffolk County community.
Both cases reflect the devastating toll fentanyl has taken in New York and beyond. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 108,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2023, with fentanyl being a key driver of the crisis.
