(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Michael Dirago, 72, of Hauppauge, was indicted for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and other related charges, for allegedly selling fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 53-year-old man.
“This case illustrates a gap in New York law that families across the state have been asking us to close,” said District Attorney Tierney. “‘Chelsey’s Law’ would allow prosecutors to charge dealers with manslaughter when the drugs they sell cause the death of another. This is a tool we currently do not have. I urge the legislature to wake up and pass it.”
According to the investigation, on September 14, 2024, Suffolk County Police responded to a residence in Mastic after receiving a 911 call reporting a drug overdose. Officers found the victim unresponsive in his bedroom, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy revealed the cause of death was acute mixed drug intoxication involving fentanyl and xylazine.
On February 5, 2025, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office received a tip regarding the fatal overdose, and the District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force (EEDTF) began an investigation.
The East End Drug Task Force is comprised of investigators from the District Attorney’s Office, East Hampton Town Police Department, New York State Police, Riverhead Police Department, Southold Police Department, Southampton Town Police Department, the Suffolk County Police Department, and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
The EEDTF determined that on September 13, 2024, the day before the fatal overdose, the victim was in contact with a phone number saved under the name “Mike Gangster.” Further investigation led investigators to allegedly identify Dirago as “Mike Gangster.” In early 2026, an undercover officer allegedly purchased 999 pills from Dirago. Testing by the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory confirmed the pills contained fentanyl. In addition, xylazine and tramadol were present in amounts below the threshold for full confirmation, each were detected. Xylazine, commonly known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative, typically used by veterinarians to tranquilize large livestock. Tramadol is a strong opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain with side effects that can slow or stop breathing. Both substances are used by drug dealers as cutting agents to increase profits from drug sales.
On April 16, 2026, members of the EEDTF executed a search warrant at Dirago’s residence in Hauppauge. During the search, law enforcement allegedly recovered approximately 500 pills and $27,964 in cash. Testing by the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory confirmed the recovered pills contained fentanyl.
On April 28, 2026, Dirago was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei for the following charges:
- One count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, an A-I felony;
- One count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, an A-II felony;
- One count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony; and
- Seven counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies.
Justice Mazzei ordered Dirago held on $1,500,000 cash, $3,000,000 bond, or $30,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case.
Dirago is due back in court on May 12, 2026, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lauren Golombek of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Assistant Special Investigator Joseph Cruzado of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s East End Drug Task Force.