Billy Ortega, Fentanyl Deaths, New York 2021

Manhattan, NY – Three New Yorkers are facing federal charges after a ruthless narcotics operation allegedly flooded the streets with fentanyl-laced cocaine, culminating in the deaths of three individuals on a single day in March 2021. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced the arrests of BILLY ORTEGA, 35, of West Milford, New Jersey; KAYLEN RAINEY, 30, of Manhattan, New York; and WILLIAM DRAYTON, 30, of Hackensack, New Jersey.

The trio operated what authorities are calling an “on-demand delivery service” for narcotics, effectively peddling poison under the guise of recreational drug use. According to the criminal complaint, ORTEGA acted as the central dispatcher, coordinating deliveries with his couriers – including RAINEY and DRAYTON – and customers. On March 17, 2021, RAINEY, under ORTEGA’s direction, delivered the deadly concoction to Julia Ghahramani, Ross Mtangi, and Amanda Scher at separate locations across Manhattan. All three victims succumbed to the effects of the fentanyl-laced cocaine.

“As alleged, the defendants operated an on-demand delivery service for the distribution of highly addictive and dangerous drugs,” stated U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “The cocaine distributed by defendants ORTEGA and RAINEY on behalf of their delivery service was laced with the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl, and as alleged, caused the deaths of three victims on a single day. Thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, the defendants’ deadly delivery service is out of business.” The investigation, a joint effort between the NYPD, DEA, and federal prosecutors, highlights the escalating threat posed by fentanyl and the callous disregard of those who profit from its distribution.

DRAYTON is also implicated in the conspiracy, having previously delivered narcotics to Ghahramani and other customers. The complaint alleges the operation extended back to at least 2020, indicating a sustained period of illicit activity. NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell emphasized the department’s commitment to pursuing those responsible for flooding the city with dangerous drugs. “Our NYPD investigators will stop at nothing in their work to arrest anyone accused of selling illegal, fentanyl-laced narcotics without regard for their deadly consequences,” she said.

The defendants are each charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. However, ORTEGA and RAINEY face particularly severe consequences, also being charged with causing the deaths of Ghahramani, Mtangi, and Scher. This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Timothy Foley underscored the gravity of the situation. “Allegedly, through this illegal drug distribution network, death was delivered to New Yorkers,” he stated. “Fentanyl has added additional danger to recreational drug use.”

The arrests serve as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of the fentanyl crisis gripping the nation. While the legal proceedings unfold, the families of the victims are left to grapple with unimaginable loss. The case is a grim illustration of the human cost of the drug trade and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to dismantle these dangerous operations before more lives are lost. The defendants were presented before United States Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron this afternoon.

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