Two plead guilty in drug case tied to transgender activist’s death

September 24, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Cecilia Gentili, a renowned transgender activist and performer, whose death has led to guilty pleas in a drug distribution case in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Photo: Bebeto Matthews/AP

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Two men pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to distributing heroin and fentanyl that led to the death of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili in Brooklyn earlier this year. Michael Kuilan and Antonio Venti admitted their roles in supplying the lethal drugs that caused Gentili’s death on Feb. 6.

Kuilan, 44, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty Monday to distributing heroin and fentanyl, as well as possessing a firearm as a felon. His co-defendant, Venti, 52, of West Babylon, entered his guilty plea to the drug offense on July 30, 2024. Both men are scheduled to be sentenced, with Venti facing sentencing on Oct. 16 and Kuilan on Jan. 22, 2025.

“The perpetrators of the tragic poisoning of Cecilia Gentili, a prominent leader of the New York transgender community, have now both admitted their guilt in selling the lethal drugs that have caused this heartbreaking death,” said Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

Peace added, “These drugs, heroin and fentanyl, have caused so much pain throughout our community. I hope this case will bring a sense of closure to Gentili’s family and serve as a warning that this office will be relentless in holding fentanyl dealers accountable.”

According to court documents, Gentili was found dead in her Brooklyn home from a mix of fentanyl, xylazine, cocaine and heroin. Investigators uncovered that Venti sold the drugs to Gentili on Feb. 5, 2024, after acquiring them from Kuilan. Police also found hundreds of baggies of fentanyl and a firearm in Kuilan’s Williamsburg apartment.

Both men now await sentencing for their roles in this case, which was prosecuted by the Eastern District of New York’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.

Gentili, who was a renowned transgender activist, performer and author, passed away on Feb. 6 at the age of 52. Born in Argentina, Gentili overcame immense personal struggles, including sexual abuse, addiction and homelessness, to become a powerful advocate for marginalized communities.

She immigrated to the United States in 2000 and, after facing hardships, began her advocacy work, particularly for transgender individuals, sex workers, and immigrants. Her career included roles at Apicha Community Health Center and GMHC, where she made significant strides in health care and policy for the LGBTQ+ community.

Beyond her advocacy, Gentili was also a talented storyteller and performer. Her personal experiences informed her activism and creative endeavors, leading to the publication of her book “Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist.” In addition to her work in policy, she was known for her dynamic performances, including appearances in the FX series Pose.