Two individuals, Ahuva Katzin and Yitzchok Sklar, also known as Isak Sklar, have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. The indictment follows the fentanyl poisoning death of Sklar’s four-year-old child in Brooklyn on March 4, 2025. Authorities allege that both defendants continued to distribute fentanyl and other drugs throughout New York after the incident.
The arrests were announced by Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Christopher Roberts, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Task Force Division; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Sklar was scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein, while Katzin was expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky.
“As alleged, Ahuva Katzin and Yitzchok Sklar sold drugs that caused the tragic death of Sklar’s own child,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Instead of stopping, they allegedly continued to distribute fentanyl and other dangerous drugs across New York. There are no good outcomes for deadly fentanyl in and around our city, and New Yorkers want it gone. This Office will hold accountable those who distribute poison in our communities and will seek justice for the victims of these devastating crimes.”
“Once again, we are forced to confront the reckless disregard for human life shown by those who allegedly traffic fentanyl and other illicit narcotics,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “This case reminds us of the danger that fentanyl presents, especially when our most vulnerable, our children, are exposed to it. A four-year-old’s home is the last place fentanyl should ever be. This is a senseless tragedy, as is any loss of life from illicit narcotics, and we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is delivered.”
“Ahuva Katzin and Yitzchok Sklar have been indicted for their roles in a drug distribution conspiracy that led to the heartbreaking death of a four-year-old,” stated NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This case shows the NYPD’s continued commitment to getting deadly drugs out of our communities and going after the individuals who put our families—and their own—in harm’s way. I would like to thank our NYPD investigators and our partners at the Drug Enforcement Agency and at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work on this case and ensuring accountability for this devastating loss.”
According to court documents and public statements by prosecutors, from 2023 through at least 2025 Katzin and Sklar conspired together to distribute fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine within New York City.
On March 4th last year authorities say exposure to fentanyl distributed by both defendants led directly to the fatal poisoning of Sklar’s son inside an apartment he shared with his parents in Brooklyn.
Investigators report that following a call made by Sklar seeking emergency medical assistance for his son on March 4th 2025 he attempted to conceal narcotics from authorities—leaving his dying child alone while removing a black bag later found with illegal substances including fentanyl inside a rental car linked back to him.
Authorities allege that even after this event both defendants continued distributing controlled substances throughout New York.
Both defendants face one count each of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death—a charge carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years imprisonment with potential maximum penalty up to life behind bars if convicted.
U.S Attorney Clayton acknowledged efforts by DEA agents as well as NYPD officers during investigation into this matter while also thanking support provided by Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S Attorneys Meredith Foster and Henry Ross from Narcotics Unit within Southern District office.
It was emphasized all charges currently remain allegations; under law both accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
