TL;DR: Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment charging Moises Freire, 19, and Brian Peralta Cabrera, 18, in the March death of FIT student Annabel Richter, who died from acute fentanyl intoxication after Freire allegedly gave the women fentanyl he said was cocaine. Freire also allegedly sexually assaulted Richter while she was incapacitated. Both men are presumed innocent.
Two teenagers are facing federal charges after prosecutors say one of them supplied the fentanyl that killed a New York City college student and poisoned another. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced October 15 that a superseding indictment charges Moises Freire, 19, and Brian Peralta Cabrera, 18, in the March death of Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) student Annabel Richter, according to PEOPLE, WABC, and ABC7 New York.
What the indictment alleges
According to the indictment, on March 18 Freire brought fentanyl he had obtained from Peralta to the women’s undergraduate residence hall at FIT. He allegedly knew what the substance was — prosecutors say he had previously called it “fake” and “poison” — but told Richter and her roommate it was pure cocaine and encouraged them to ingest it.
Prosecutors allege that while they were incapacitated, Freire sexually assaulted Richter in her dorm room and photographed her unconscious body, sending the photos to friends. He allegedly waited about 45 minutes before seeking help from campus security, to whom he claimed the women had simply consumed too much alcohol.
Campus security administered emergency aid including Narcan, and both women were rushed to Manhattan hospitals. Toxicology testing later confirmed both had ingested fentanyl and no cocaine. The second woman survived; Richter died from acute fentanyl intoxication.
The charges
Both Freire and Peralta Cabrera are charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury, which carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison. Freire is additionally charged with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury, as well as distribution of a controlled substance with intent to commit rape.
According to the Associated Press, the men previously pleaded not guilty to earlier narcotics charges that did not include the rape allegation; a third defendant, Harry Rosales Pino, was also previously charged.
Officials respond
“This case alleges not only the deadly distribution of fentanyl to two young women but also the sexual assault of a victim rendered defenseless by that poisoning,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “We will work tirelessly to hold accountable those who endanger young people living and learning on our campuses.”
Christopher Roberts, head of the DEA’s New York Task Force Division, called the allegations “beyond disturbing and include a cruel deception and unimaginable assault.”
Richter’s mother, Flavia Rocha, called her daughter “a luminous presence” who “had so many plans and aspirations for the future.” She said: “We hope her story brings awareness about the deadly harms our kids are exposed to. We also hope it brings justice.”
Featured image: The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, New York. Photo credit: thecollector.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was charged in the FIT student’s death?
Moises Freire, 19, and Brian Peralta Cabrera, 18, were charged in a superseding federal indictment announced October 15 in connection with the fentanyl death of FIT student Annabel Richter. Prosecutors say Peralta Cabrera supplied the fentanyl Freire brought to the dorm.
Who was Annabel Richter?
Annabel Richter was a Fashion Institute of Technology student in New York City who died from complications of acute fentanyl intoxication after an incident in her Manhattan dorm room on March 18. She had moved to New York to pursue fashion studies.
What happened on March 18?
Prosecutors allege Freire brought fentanyl to the women’s FIT dorm, told Richter and her roommate it was “pure cocaine,” and encouraged them to take it. Both lost consciousness almost immediately; Richter was allegedly assaulted while incapacitated and later died.
What are the charges against Freire?
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury, distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury, and distribution of a controlled substance with intent to commit rape.
What penalty do the drug charges carry?
The conspiracy-to-distribute-resulting-in-death charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Were these the first charges against the men?
No. According to the Associated Press, the men were previously indicted in April on narcotics distribution charges; the superseding indictment adds the death-resulting and rape-related charges.
Are the men guilty?
The charges are accusations. Both men previously pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
