Two teenagers from Queens, New York, face federal charges after a college student died from fentanyl poisoning in a campus dorm. Prosecutors say the pair supplied drugs to two students at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.
The case began on March 18, when Moises Freire, 19, allegedly obtained fentanyl from Brian Peralta, 18. Investigators say Freire then gave the drug to two female students. He allegedly told them the substance was pure cocaine and did not contain fentanyl.
Both women later lost consciousness after taking the substance, according to court allegations. One of them, Annabel Richter, died from complications linked to acute fentanyl intoxication. The second student survived after receiving emergency care.
Federal prosecutors say the case involved more than the alleged drug supply. They also accuse Freire of sexually assaulting Richter while she was unable to consent.
Students Lost Consciousness After Taking Drugs
According to the allegations, Freire encouraged both students to take the substance. He allegedly failed to tell them that it contained fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that can cause a fatal overdose in very small amounts.
After the women became unconscious, Freire allegedly waited about 45 minutes before seeking help from campus security. Prosecutors say he told security staff that the students had consumed too much alcohol.
Campus security workers gave the women Narcan, a medicine used to reverse opioid overdoses. Both students were then taken to hospitals in Manhattan for treatment.
Later toxicology tests found fentanyl in the women’s systems. The tests did not find cocaine, according to the case details.
Richter died from acute fentanyl intoxication and related complications. The other student survived.
The delay in seeking help is likely to be an important part of the case. In a suspected overdose, fast medical treatment can make the difference between life and death. Narcan can help reverse the effects of opioids, but emergency care is still vital.
Prosecutors Allege Sexual Assault
Freire also faces a separate charge linked to the events in the dorm. Prosecutors allege that he raped Richter while she was unconscious and unable to give consent.
Investigators say Freire took photos of Richter during the incident and sent them to friends. The allegation adds a serious sexual assault charge to the drug case.
Prosecutors have not treated the alleged conduct as a simple drug incident. They say the case raises concerns about the danger of giving someone a substance without telling them what it contains.
A person who is unconscious or heavily affected by drugs cannot give consent to sexual activity. The allegations against Freire will be addressed through the federal court process.
The charges remain allegations, and both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Federal Charges Carry Long Prison Terms
Freire and Peralta are both charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death. If convicted, they face a minimum prison term of 20 years.
Freire faces an additional charge of distributing a controlled substance with the intent to commit rape. That charge is based on the allegation that he used the drug to make Richter unable to resist or consent.
US Attorney Jamie McDonald said the case shows the severe harm that can follow when people supply dangerous drugs and hide what those drugs contain.
Christopher Roberts, who leads the relevant Drug Enforcement Administration task force, also addressed the case. Officials have stressed the risks posed by fentanyl and the need to hold people accountable when drug distribution leads to serious harm.
Fentanyl is used in medicine under strict controls, but illegal supplies can contain unknown amounts of the drug. People who believe they are taking another substance may not know they are at risk of an opioid overdose.
Case Highlights Fentanyl Risks on Campus
The death has raised serious concerns about drug safety among young adults. Students may face pressure to try substances at parties or in private settings. They may also have little knowledge of what those substances contain.
Fentanyl can cause breathing to slow or stop. An overdose may happen quickly, and a person who appears to be asleep may need urgent medical help.
Experts advise people to call emergency services if an overdose is suspected. They should not assume that alcohol is the cause of unconsciousness. If available, Narcan should be given when an opioid overdose is possible.
The case also highlights the importance of telling medical staff what a person may have taken. Accurate information can help doctors provide treatment without delay.
Federal prosecutors will now seek to prove the charges against Freire and Peralta. The case centers on the alleged drug supply, Richter’s death and the claims of sexual assault.
The outcome will depend on the evidence presented in court. If convicted, the two teenagers could face lengthy prison sentences under federal law.
