This punishment is the result of his conviction for selling fentanyl-laced heroin to the acclaimed actor, Michael K. Williams, which ultimately led to Williams' tragic death in 2021. The U.S. Department of Justice made this announcement through an official statement.

Irvin Cartagena, aged 40, was one of four individuals implicated in a drug-trafficking operation responsible for providing the lethal fentanyl-laced heroin to Michael K. Williams. Another member of this group received a 30-month prison sentence for their role in the criminal activity.

Cartagena had previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and other illicit substances, as reported by CNN in earlier coverage of the case. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams remarked, "On September 5, 2021, Irvin Cartagena supplied Michael K. Williams with a fatal dose of heroin that was tainted with fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue. Tragically, Michael K. Williams lost his life as a result of using the drugs that Cartagena sold to him. Despite the fact that their product had already claimed one life, Cartagena and his accomplices persisted in selling potentially deadly fentanyl-laced heroin."

He went on to emphasize that his office remains committed to relentless enforcement against unscrupulous drug dealers who distribute dangerous substances, exacerbating the ongoing fentanyl crisis. 

In 2022, Michael K. Williams' nephew, Dominic Dupont, shared a heart-wrenching account of discovering his uncle's lifeless body in his Brooklyn apartment during an episode of Red Table Talk.

Dupont recounted the grim moment, saying, "I went upstairs, opened his door. It was eerily quiet. Michael always had music playing, but that wasn't the case." He continued, "I stuck my head in and called out, 'Uncle Mike, are you in here?' And that's when I saw him... lifeless. I immediately dialed 911, and they asked if I wanted to start CPR. I told them, 'I'm telling you... he's gone. He's cold.'"

Michael K. Williams was widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Omar on "The Wire" and received five Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series throughout his career, including one in 2021 for his role as Montrose Freeman in "Lovecraft Country."