Michael Kuilan and Antonio Venti pleaded guilty to supplying fentanyl-laced heroin to Cecilia Gentili, leading to her death and causing sorrow in the LGBTQ community in New York.
Two men have confessed to distributing the fentanyl-laced heroin that led to the tragic death of transgender activist and actress Cecilia Gentili. Michael Kuilan and Antonio Venti admitted to possessing and distributing the drugs responsible for Ms. Gentili’s passing. Kuilan pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn, while Venti entered his plea earlier in July, as confirmed by the U.S. attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York.
Cecilia Gentili, aged 52, was discovered deceased in her Brooklyn residence in February after consuming a mixture of drugs, as per court records. Her untimely demise sparked an outpouring of sorrow within New York’s L.G.B.T.Q. community, with over 1,000 individuals attending a vibrant celebration of her life at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Apart from her acting career, which included a role in the TV series “Pose,” Ms. Gentili was renowned for her advocacy work on behalf of sex workers, transgender individuals, and those with H.I.V.
Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney for New York’s Eastern District, expressed his sadness over Ms. Gentili’s passing and hoped that the guilty pleas would offer closure to her family while serving as a stern warning that fentanyl dealers would face consequences. Peter Scotto, Ms. Gentili’s partner, chose not to comment on the recent developments.
Originally from Argentina, Ms. Gentili immigrated to the U.S. as an undocumented individual at the age of 26. She faced hardships such as homelessness, addiction, and involvement in prostitution before being incarcerated at Rikers Island.
In conclusion, the guilty pleas of Kuilan and Venti in the distribution of the fatal drugs that led to Cecilia Gentili’s demise serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by fentanyl and the importance of holding accountable those responsible for distributing such substances.
Source: The NY Times
