Michael Williams’ dealer charged with supplying the fentanyl-laced heroin that killed “The Wire” actor, was sentenced Friday to 10 years in federal prison, weeks after a leniency plea from the show’s creator.
Michael Williams’ dealer Irvin Cartagena, 40, of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to distribute drugs. He was sentenced by Manhattan Federal Judge Ronnie Abrams.
Prosecutors said the popular actor overdosed in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment in September 2021.
Williams, who struggled with drug addiction, died hours after authorities said Cartagena sold him the heroin on a sidewalk in Williamsburg,
Williams was best known for playing Omar Little, a ruthless, but likable character on 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.”
Relatives and industry leaders, including “Wire” creator David Simon had pleaded for leniency for Cartagena, noting that Williams had always taken responsibility for his own drug downfall.
Michael Williams’s dealer Cartagena faced a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and could have faced up to 40 years behind bars.
Prosecutors sought a 12-year sentence, and the probation department wanted Cartagena to serve 20 years because of his 14 prior drug convictions.
Abrams said the recommendations were “simply too high.”
“This sentence, while severe, is sufficient but not greater than necessary,” she said.