Drug dealer charged in Michael K. Williams' overdose death
NEW YORK — A Manhattan judge sentenced one of the dealers charged in Michael K. Williams’ overdose death to a 30-month prison term Tuesday after hearing from the actor’s nephew, who asked both for justice for his uncle and leniency for the man accused of selling the drugs that claimed his life.
Dominic Dupont became overwhelmed as he spoke about calling Williams’ mother after finding him dead in his penthouse apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on Sept. 6, 2021. The city medical examiner determined Williams died of an overdose of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Dupont said he felt similarly torn when he thought about the factors that led to an illiterate Carlos Macci selling fentanyl-laced heroin on street corners while nearing age 70.
“We have a responsibility to help people who are victims,” Dupont said. “And (people) dealing with challenges, help them understand that selling poison to people is not right.”
Manhattan Federal Court Judge Ronnie Abrams thanked Dupont for his “incredibly thoughtful and insightful remarks,” imposing a lenient term of 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Macci must spend one of them at an inpatient drug treatment facility.
“I don’t think people need to be defined by the worst mistake they ever made,” Abrams said. “You still have a chance to define yourself in a positive way.”
Macci, 72, who pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy in April, had faced up to 17 years in prison. His lawyer Benjamin Zeman said he was a loving man who suffered deeply from mental and physical issues and had long been addicted to the deadly drugs he sold.
Williams had millions of fans who watched him in critically acclaimed shows like “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Wire.”
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Pete Davidson has entered a diversion program to resolve a reckless driving charge for crashing into a Beverly Hills home and will perform 50 hours community service, authorities said Tuesday.
The 29-year-old “Saturday Night Live” actor and comedian will likely do his community service with the New York Fire Department, where his late father worked, Los Angeles County prosecutors said.
Davidson pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor and was put in an 18-month diversion that also includes 12 hours of traffic school.
When Davidson was charged on June 16, prosecutors called the March 4 crash a “serious collision." No one was reported injured.
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Dwayne Johnson has stepped up for his fellow actors with a seven-figure donation to the fund that’s helping keep striking artists afloat.
“The Rock” is living up to his moniker with a gift that will help thousands of the actors who are losing income and don’t have funds to bridge the gap, SAG-AFTRA Foundation president Courtney B. Vance said Monday. The foundation is a nonprofit affiliated with the union.
As the SAG strike began earlier this month, Vance appealed to 2,700 of the union’s highest-paid actors for help during a potential fiscal crisis for many of their lower-earning colleagues.
Johnson responded soon after the appeal letter went out, Vance said. A phone call ensued that Vance described as a “love fest” of a conversation.
“It is a call to arms for all of us to know that we just have to step up however you can,” Vance said.
“It’s the largest single donation that we’ve ever received from one individual,” said foundation executive director Cyd Wilson. “And what is amazing is that that one check is going to help thousands of actors keep food on their table, keep their kids safe and keep their cars running. And it’s not lost on me that he’s very humble about this.”
From combined wire services
