Watch CBS News

HBO Producer, Another Man Arrested In Connection With Long Island Dermatologist's Drug Overdose Death

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An television producer and a suspected drug dealer have been arrested on federal narcotics charges in connection with the drug overdose death of a Long Island dermatologist.

Marc Henry Johnson, the producer of the HBO show "The Deuce," and James Holder faced arraignment in Manhattan court Wednesday on charges in connection with the October 2015 death of Kiersten Cerveny after being arrested Tuesday night, CBS2's Alice Gainer reported.

Web Extra: Read the complaint (.pdf)

Cerveny, 38, of Manhasset, was discovered unconscious and dying on the morning of Oct. 4 in the doorway of a building located at 223 W. 16th St. in Chelsea.

The former New Jersey beauty queen and graduate of Duke and Tulane was discovered fully clothed with bruising on her neck that officials said had come from a recent surgery. Emergency responders tried to save her, but she died at a hospital.

The cause of death was acute cocaine and alcohol intoxication.

The medical examiner ruled the death accidental.

According to court papers, the married mother of three had been using cocaine when she met Johnson at a bar, 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reported. The two apparently took a taxi to Chelsea to get more drugs from Holder, who is identified in court papers as a major seller of cocaine.

The complaint said Holder, known as "Pepsi," had been selling cocaine out of that apartment since 2003 and was longtime friends with Johnson.

A few hours later, surveillance video caught Cerveny's lifeless body being dragged down to the building vestibule, where she was found. Holder left the building and Johnson called 911, according to the court papers.

Johnson did not give his name, his relationship to her and did not explain why Cerveny needed medical assistance. He left after emergency responders arrived.

"As alleged, ‎the defendants' apparent disregard for a victim of this poison is frankly, unimaginable," said Police Commissioner Bill Bratton. "As alleged, when the defendants realized someone was unresponsive after an apparent overdose, they dragged her body down to a building lobby in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. We will continue to pursue those who pour this poison into our streets with every single judicial tool at our disposal."

Holder immediately moved out of the apartment after Cerveny's death, but the DEA said he continued to sell cocaine elsewhere.

Johnson and Holder, are charged with attempting to distribute drugs and moving Cerveny's body, CBS2 reported. If convicted, Holder faces 10 years to life in prison, and Johnson could face up to 20 years in prison.

Johnson is released on a $300,000 personal recognizance bond with restrictions that include surrendering his passport, adhering to a curfew and not contacting his co-defendant.

Holder remains detained.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.