Michael K. Williams: Four Men Charged In Drug Death Of Iconic Actor

Four men have been arrested and charged in connection with the death of The Wire star Michael K. Williams.

The 54-year-old was found dead by family members in his apartment in Brooklyn, New York, on Monday, September 6. While the exact cause of death wasn't immediately confirmed, the city's medical examiner ruled he had died of acute drug intoxication, also declaring it an accident at the time.

Now, four men have been charged in Manhattan federal court, accused of a narcotics conspiracy and selling the actor heroin laced with fentanyl, which then resulted in Williams' death, according to US Attorney Damian Williams and New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell.

The suspects – Hector Robles, Luis Cruz, Carlos Macci and Irvin Cartagena – are expected to make their first court appearances this week.

'Michael K. Williams, a prominent actor and producer, tragically overdosed in his New York City apartment from fentanyl-laced heroin,' Williams said in a statement, as per The Guardian.

'Today, along with our law enforcement partners at the NYPD, we announce the arrests of members of a drug crew, including Irvin Cartagena, the man who we allege sold the deadly dose of drugs to Michael K. Williams. This is a public health crisis. And it has to stop. Deadly opioids like fentanyl and heroin don't care about who you are or what you've accomplished. They just feed addiction and lead to tragedy.'

Police said the suspects had already been under surveillance prior to Williams' death. Over the course of a months-long sting, an informant purchased heroin on the same block where the actor is believed to have purchased drugs. Officers also obtained surveillance footage of the men selling drugs to Williams.

The day after Williams passed away, an undercover officer went back to the group to buy drugs and recorded a conversation in which they discussed his overdose. However, one member denied selling any drugs with fentanyl.

Sewell said officers 'lived this case, never relenting in their investigation until they could bring a measure of justice to Michael K. Williams and his family'.

Deputy Chief John Chell also revealed he'd instructed his detectives to treat the death as a homicide, using licence plates across the city to track the suspects. 'Treat this case as if Michael K. Williams was hit by a bullet. Make believe he got shot,' he told The Daily Beast.

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