NEW YORK DRUG KINGPIN SENTENCED TO 53 YEARS AFTER LEAVING OVERDOSE VICTIMS TO VISIT WENDY’S

A New York drug kingpin has been sentenced to a staggering 53 years in prison following his involvement in a large-scale cocaine and fentanyl trafficking operation that resulted in two overdose deaths. RUSSELL DEFREITAS, 55, of Holbrook, was convicted on 92 charges, including operating as a major drug trafficker, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

The tragic incident unfolded on May 9, 2023, when two victims—a male and a female—were found unconscious in a hotel room registered under DEFREITAS’ name. After the woman overdosed, DEFREITAS allegedly instructed his associates not to call 911, removed drugs and other evidence from the scene, and proceeded to a nearby Wendy’s restaurant. Hours later, he permitted one of his associates to contact emergency services, but by then, both victims had succumbed to fatal overdoses.

DEFREITAS was arrested two days later, and law enforcement uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence during searches of his trailer and hotel room. Authorities seized cocaine, fentanyl, two loaded firearms, drug packaging materials, scales, cutting agents, and numerous hotel room key cards. Additionally, DEFREITAS was found in possession of bank cards belonging to the two overdose victims.

In a statement, Suffolk County District Attorney RAYMOND TIERNEY emphasized the need for stronger legislation to hold drug dealers accountable for overdose deaths. He endorsed Chelsey’s Law, a proposed bill in New York State that would allow prosecutors to charge dealers with homicide when their actions result in fatalities.

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

DEFREITAS represented himself in court during sentencing, which took place on Tuesday.

For more details, visit the [Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office](https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/). Fox News Digital’s Sophia Compton contributed to this report.