Michael Kuilan was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for providing the fentanyl-laced heroin that killed transgender activist Cecilia Gentili. He was ordered to pay restitution and forfeit funds. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella emphasized the accountability for those selling deadly drugs. Kuilan's extensive criminal history includes multiple convictions related to heroin distribution. Gentili, an advocate for transgender rights, was found dead from a drug overdose shortly after purchasing the heroin. Her death highlighted ongoing issues surrounding the opioid crisis and the impact on marginalized communities.
"Cecilia Gentili was tragically poisoned from fentanyl-laced heroin," U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella said in a statement. "Today, the perpetrators who sold the deadly drugs to Gentili are being held accountable."
Kuilan had three prior state felony convictions related to selling heroin before he pleaded guilty to the federal charges last year, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors said text messages, cell site data, and other evidence showed that Kuilan had supplied Venti with drugs that he then sold to Gentili.
The former sex worker had been a leading advocate for other transgender people, as well as sex workers and people with HIV.
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