2 arrests after overdose death of dermatologist found in doorway
NEW YORK -- Two men have been arrested in connection with the drug overdose of a Long Island dermatologist found dying in the doorway of a New York City building, reports CBS New York.
James Holder was charged Wednesday with one count of conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine, and Marc Johnson was charged with one count of attempting to distribute cocaine and one count of acting as an accessory after the fact in connection with the charge against Holder.
Media reports have identified Johnson as a producer of an upcoming HBO television series called "The Deuce."
Authorities began investigating Johnson and Holder after Kiersten Cerveny, a 38-year-old doctor from Long Island, was discovered unconscious and dying on the morning of Oct. 4 in the doorway of a building in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood. The former New Jersey beauty queen had bruising on her neck, but the city's medical examiner ruled the death accidental, the result of acute cocaine and alcohol intoxication.
Cerveny, a married mother of three, was originally out with friends, one of whom told investigators the dermatologist was doing drugs and drinking. Authorities say she then met up with Johnson, leaving a bar with the man and going to Holder's apartment, where they arrived at about 4:25 a.m.
Police say surveillance video later showed Johnson and Holder carrying Cerveny, unconscious, to the building's front door. Holder is seen leaving the building, while Johnson called 911, according to officials. Johnson left before police arrived.
"Holder moved out of the Chelsea building after October 4, 2015, but continued to sell cocaine in Manhattan until at least January 2016," the DEA wrote in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.
Johnson and Holder were arraigned Wednesday in federal court. Holder is accused of distributing more than five kilograms of cocaine since 2003. He faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted. Johnson faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted.