*The 72-year-old drug dealer charged for selling actor Michael K. Williams a fatal dose of heroin laced with fentanyl has been sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Carlos Macci’s sentencing was lenient compared to the four-year minimum sought by the prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah F. Fergenson, according to the Associated Press. Fergenson argued that Macci “had more than 20 previous convictions,” the outlet noted.
As reported by MadameNoire, the judge noted that the drug transaction “not only cost Mr. Williams his life,” but also Macci’s “freedom.”
Macci expressed remorse and said, “I would like to say, your honor, I’m sorry for what has happened.”
At the sentencing, Williams’ nephew Dominic Dupont said, “It weighs heavy on me to see someone be in a situation he’s in. I understand what it is to be system impacted.”
We reported previously that David Simon, co-creator of “The Wire,” asked the Manhattan judge to show leniency to Macci, reported Deadline. According to Simon, Williams is more responsible for his death, not the drug dealer.
“What happened to Mike is a grievous tragedy,” Simon wrote in the letter. “But I know that Michael would look upon the undone and desolate life of Mr. Macci and know two things with certainty: First, that it was Michael who bears the fuller responsibility for what happened.”
Simon continued, “No possible good can come from incarcerating a 71-year-old soul, largely illiterate, who has himself struggled with a lifetime of addiction.”
Simon went on to call Williams “one of the finest actors with whom I have had the honor to collaborate and one of the most thoughtful, gracious, and charitable souls I could ever call a friend.… I never failed to see him take responsibility for himself and his decisions.”
READ MORE: Creator of ‘The Wire’ Pleads for Leniency for Man Charged in Michael K. Williams’ Death
