A 19-year-old man has been charged in connection with the fatal fentanyl overdose and sexual assault of a college student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in Manhattan in March. Federal prosecutors allege that Moises Freire provided fentanyl disguised as cocaine to two women in their dormitory, leading to both falling unconscious, with one, identified by family and friends as Annabel Richter, dying three days later.

According to prosecutors, Freire met the women’s request for drugs by delivering a white powder he claimed was pure cocaine from Mexico. Instead, the substance contained fentanyl, a potent opioid responsible for a spike in overdose deaths nationwide. Freire’s associate, Brian Peralta Cabrera, is also facing narcotics-related charges for allegedly supplying the fentanyl, while a third man, Harry Rosales Pino, has pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution resulting in death. Freire and Peralta have pleaded not guilty.

Freire reportedly knew of the drug’s dangerous potency prior to the incident. Approximately a week before the overdoses, he had tried the substance himself and described it as “poison” in a text message. Despite this, he proceeded to bring the drugs to the women on March 18, claiming they were cocaine.

Prosecutors state that after the women consumed the fentanyl, both lost consciousness quickly. Freire allegedly engaged in sexual activity with one of the women while she was unconscious, an act prosecutors characterize as sexual assault. He later admitted to campus police that he had intercourse with her but claimed he did not realize she was unresponsive. Federal prosecutor Ariana L. Bloom suggested at a court hearing in April that it was implausible Freire was unaware of the victim’s state at the time.

Criticism has been directed at Freire’s response after the overdose, as prosecutors say he waited approximately 40 to 45 minutes before summoning campus security. During that interval, Freire reportedly shared photos of the unconscious women with friends, including an image of the semi-nude victim. Campus security found both women unresponsive and administered emergency treatment, including Narcan, before the victims were hospitalized. Richter never regained consciousness and died on March 21.

Freire faces upgraded charges of distributing a controlled substance with intent to commit rape, alongside the earlier narcotics distribution counts. He remains held without bail, with a March 2027 trial date set. Peralta has been charged with narcotics conspiracy, and Pino has already pled guilty.

Richter’s mother, Flavia Rocha, described her daughter as “a luminous presence” with a passion for music, art, and life. She expressed hope that her daughter’s story raises awareness regarding women’s safety and the deadly risks associated with drugs like fentanyl. Friends and classmates recall Richter as bright and full of potential but note she had begun associating with a problematic crowd after transferring to F.I.T.

University officials have indicated they reviewed and strengthened safety protocols in response to the incident. The case has sparked discussions on campus about drug use and vulnerabilities faced by young women, as students reflect on the tragedy and the broader issues of substance misuse and exploitation.