Man Accused of Drugging and Raping FIT Student Before Her Death Faces Life in Prison

A 19-year-old New York man faces a possible life sentence after federal prosecutors accused him of giving two Fashion Institute of Technology students fentanyl disguised as cocaine, then raping one of the women while she was unconscious. The student never regained consciousness and died three days later, while her roommate survived after emergency treatment.

A superseding indictment unsealed October 15, 2026, in Manhattan federal court adds a charge accusing Moises Freire, of the Bronx, of distributing fentanyl with the intent to commit rape. Brian Peralta Cabrera, 18, of Queens, is also charged in the case, which stems from the March 18 incident inside an FIT residence hall.

Prosecutors say Freire arranged to obtain the fentanyl from Peralta Cabrera after discussing plans to supply drugs to Annabel Richter, the student who died, and her roommate. Messages described in the indictment allegedly show Freire seeking narcotics that would "last the entire night" and suggesting that getting the women addicted would be a "win win situation."

The alleged planning preceded Freire's visit to the students' dorm room, where he presented the substance as "pure cocaine," despite previously describing it as "fake" and "poison," according to prosecutors. Both women lost consciousness shortly after taking the drug, which Freire allegedly encouraged them to consume while abstaining himself.

With both students incapacitated, Freire allegedly raped Richter as her roommate lay unconscious nearby.

Approximately 45 minutes passed before Freire sought help, a period in which prosecutors allege he photographed the unconscious women and sent the images to others. When he approached campus security, he falsely claimed the students had consumed too much alcohol, according to the indictment.

Campus security officers administered Narcan, an opioid overdose-reversal medication, before both women were transported to Manhattan hospitals. Toxicology testing confirmed fentanyl exposure but found no cocaine.

Richter remained unconscious and died March 21 from complications of acute fentanyl intoxication. Her roommate regained consciousness after receiving lifesaving treatment.

Freire faces up to 20 years in prison on the new charge alleging he distributed fentanyl with the intent to commit rape. The more severe penalties stem from the narcotics offenses involving Richter's death and her roommate's injuries, which carry a mandatory minimum of 20 years and a possible life sentence. Peralta Cabrera faces the same sentencing range on the conspiracy count.

A third defendant, Harry Rosales Pino, pleaded guilty September 16 to a narcotics conspiracy charge connected to the incident. Prosecutors identified him as the alleged original supplier of the fentanyl that reached the students. He is awaiting sentencing.

Fashion Institute of Technology President Jason Schupbach said October 16 that Freire entered the residence hall as a registered visitor and that the college's visitation policies had been followed. Neither Freire nor Peralta Cabrera was a member of the FIT community.

FIT has since required public safety supervisors to carry Narcan while on duty, adding to overdose-reversal supplies already available in residence hall lobbies. Schupbach said the college reviewed its safety procedures following the incident.

Richter had moved to New York City to pursue her interest in fashion. Her mother, Flavia Rocha, has publicly remembered her daughter as a young woman passionate about music and art and expressed hope that her death would raise awareness about violence against women.

Freire and Peralta Cabrera previously pleaded not guilty to the initial federal charges and remain in custody. Freire is scheduled to appear in court on October 28 for arraignment on the superseding indictment.