May 28, 2025 Brooklyn, NY – A New York City drug dealer, Michael Kuilan, 45, was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison on Tuesday for providing the fentanyl-laced heroin that resulted in the death of prominent transgender activist Cecilia Gentili. The sentencing took place in Brooklyn federal court, where Kuilan also received orders to pay $24,482 in restitution and forfeit $30,000 along with a seized firearm.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella, emphasized the gravity of the outcome, stating, "Cecilia Gentili was tragically poisoned from fentanyl-laced heroin. Today, the perpetrators who sold the deadly drugs to Gentili are being held accountable."
A History of Drug Offenses and a Fatal Transaction
Prosecutors revealed that Kuilan had a history of three prior state felony convictions related to heroin sales before pleading guilty to the federal charges last year. He faced a potential sentence of up to 20 years for drug distribution and up to 35 years for unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon. Kuilan's lawyer has not yet responded to requests for comment.
His co-defendant, Antonio Venti, 53, of Long Island, received a five-year federal prison sentence in February after also pleading guilty to the same drug offense last year.
Evidence presented by prosecutors, including text messages and cell site data, demonstrated that Kuilan supplied Venti with the illicit drugs, which Venti then sold to Gentili.
The Tragic Loss of a Powerful Advocate
Cecilia Gentili, a 52-year-old Brooklyn resident, was discovered deceased in her bedroom on February 6, 2024. Her death was attributed to the combined effects of fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, and cocaine, purchased just one day prior.
