In a joint statement, the Department of Justice, the New York City Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration announced on Monday that two men, Michael Kuilan, 44, and Antonio Venti, 52, have been charged with distributing a lethal mixture of fentanyl and heroin that resulted in the death of prominent transgender activist Cecilia Gentili.

Gentili, 52, tragically lost her life on February 6th after suffering an overdose. Investigations revealed that Venti, a resident of West Babylon, New York, sold the dangerous substance to Gentili on February 5th. Authorities further discovered that Kuilan, a Brooklyn resident, had supplied Venti with the illicit drugs.

The indictment sends a strong message against the distribution of harmful drugs, with NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban emphasizing the importance of holding these distributors accountable for their actions. He stated, "It is imperative that we continue to hold distributors accountable for their callous actions."

Law enforcement’s search of Kuilan's Brooklyn apartment yielded significant evidence. Officers found hundreds of baggies containing fentanyl, along with a handgun and ammunition. The discovery further reinforced the severity and reach of the drug distribution network involved in Gentili's death.

If convicted, both Kuilan and Venti could face a possible life sentence in prison, underscoring the gravity of their alleged crimes. The legal proceedings will now commence as the justice system seeks to bring justice for Cecilia Gentili.

Gentili was not only a transgender activist but also a well-known author and actor. She served as the managing director of policy at Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) from 2016 to 2019, directing efforts to end the AIDS epidemic. Subsequently, Gentili founded Trans Equity Consulting in 2019, an organization focused on promoting LGBTQ diversity initiatives in the workplace.

Her tragic death deeply impacted New York's LGBTQ activist community, leading to an outpouring of support. Prominent figures, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, expressed their condolences and remembered Gentili's contributions to the cause.

As the case progresses, law enforcement's dedication to disrupting the illicit drug trade remains resolute. This indictment serves as a stern warning to those who profit from poisoning communities with illegal substances, as investigators work tirelessly to identify the sources of these dangerous drugs.