NEW YORK — Two men have admitted guilt in supplying the fentanyl-laced heroin that resulted in the death of notable New York City transgender activist Cecilia Gentili earlier this year, federal prosecutors announced on Monday.
Michael Kuilan, 44, entered a guilty plea on a charge of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl in Brooklyn federal court on Monday, as reported by the office of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace. Antonio Venti, 52, pleaded guilty to the same charge in July.
Prosecutors stated that the men, as part of their plea deals, acknowledged their role in causing Gentili’s death. Evidence including text messages and cell site data indicated that Kuilan, a resident of Brooklyn, provided Venti, who resides in Long Island, with drugs that were subsequently sold to Gentili.
Law enforcement officials searching for Kuilan’s residence discovered hundreds of small bags containing fentanyl, along with a handgun and ammunition.
“Although these guilty pleas cannot reverse the heartbreaking loss of transgender rights activist Cecelia Gentili, they convey a strong message that we are committed to ensuring that those accountable for drug-related deaths are held responsible for their actions and that the families of the deceased receive the justice they deserve,” stated Frank Tarantino, special agent in charge of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York office.
Gentili was a former sex worker who emerged as a prominent advocate for transgender individuals, sex workers, and those living with HIV. She also performed in the FX television series “Pose,” which explores the underground ballroom dance scene of the 1980s and 1990s.
Her funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, which saw a large turnout, sparked outrage among certain members of the Catholic community, including the pastor of the esteemed church itself.
Gentili was discovered deceased in her bedroom on February 6, the day following her acquisition of drugs from Venti. Prosecutors indicate that the death of the 52-year-old resident of Brooklyn resulted from the combined effects of fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, and cocaine.
Kuilan is anticipated to receive a sentence in January, while Venti is set to be sentenced next month. The attorneys representing the two individuals did not promptly reply to emails requesting comments on Monday.
