'Major drug trafficker' gets lengthy prison sentence after leaving OD victims to go to Wendy's: authorities
Share and Follow

A New York drug kingpin was sentenced to a lengthy prison term Tuesday after he left two overdose victims to go to a Wendy’s restaurant.

Holbrook resident Russell Defreitas, 55, was recently found guilty of operating as a major drug trafficker and 91 other charges. 

He was sentenced to 53 years in prison, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. In a press release Tuesday, the office said Defreitas was involved in “a large-scale cocaine and fentanyl trafficking operation in Suffolk County which caused two fentanyl overdose deaths.”

The incident happened May 9, 2023, when the two victims — a male and a female — were in a hotel room booked in Defreitas’ name.

Suffolk County District Attorney's Office

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. (Google Maps)

“Additionally, at the time of his arrest, Defreitas was found to be in possession of bank cards in the names of two of his overdose victims.” 

Defreitas was sentenced Tuesday after defending himself in court without a lawyer. In a statement, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Defreitas’ sentencing “highlights the urgent need for stronger legislation,” and he endorsed a bill called Chelsey’s Law

“The passage of Chelsey’s Law in New York State would give prosecutors additional tools to hold dealers accountable when their products cause death,” the DA said. “This defendant’s actions directly led to two overdose fatalities, yet our current laws don’t allow us to charge these preventable deaths as the homicides that they are.

Raymond A. Tierney

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney endorsed legislation to prevent similar crimes from happening. (Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office)

“Chelsey’s Law would ensure that those who profit from dealing deadly substances face consequences proportionate to the devastation they cause in our communities.”

Fox News Digital’s Sophia Compton contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Donald Trump, Greenland news: Former Department of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel explains price of Trump's pursuit of island

Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Reveals Cost of Trump’s Greenland Ambitions

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a bold and contentious move, President Donald Trump…
Justice Department sues landlords for rent-hiking algorithm scheme

Clay County Eye Clinic Settles $2.1M Kickback Allegations with DOJ

Clay Eye Holdings LLC, along with four other ophthalmology practices in Florida,…
FILE - Jazz Watts, a resident of Sapelo Island, wears a hat that reads

Georgia Island Descendants Battle for Heritage: Voters Decide Fate of Historic Slave Ancestral Homes

Residents of a coastal Georgia county are heading to the polls on…
Beckhams 'will only speak to Brooklyn again if he SPLITS from Nicola'

Beckham Family Rift: Will Brooklyn Mend Ties by Parting Ways with Nicola?

David and Victoria Beckham are reportedly furious over their son Brooklyn’s explosive…
Northwestern state is most popular moving destination for first time

Discover Why Northwestern State is the Top Choice for First-Time Movers

In a surprising turn of events, a Northwest state has surged to…
Cause of death revealed for chess grandmaster who died aged 29

Cause of Death Unveiled for Chess Grandmaster Who Passed Away at 29

The recent release of a toxicology report has revealed that American chess…
FILE - Health department staff members enter the Andrews County Health Department measles clinic carrying doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Andrews, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice, File)

U.S. Faces Potential Loss of Measles Elimination Status: Understanding the Implications

A year has passed since a measles outbreak erupted in West Texas,…
The MAGA 'agent of chaos' insiders say is Trump's secret attack dog

Insiders Reveal MAGA Figure as Trump’s Covert Strategist for Disruption

An influential millennial ally of Donald Trump has quickly emerged as a…