Evergreen Reporter

Federico Rosario, a 30-year-old Scranton resident, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for his involvement in drug distribution that resulted in the death of a minor. The sentencing was handed down by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani on April 11, 2025.

Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that in July 2021, Rosario supplied small quantities of cocaine to a 17-year-old. On August 11, 2021, he sold the minor .4 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine, after which the victim experienced severe intoxication and sought clarification on the substance from Rosario. Rosario did not respond, and the victim was found deceased the following morning.

The substance was later identified as a mix of cocaine and fentanyl. The autopsy confirmed fatal fentanyl levels in the minor's system. Expert witness testimony during the trial affirmed that the minor would have survived had they not ingested the fentanyl-laden substance. At the trial's conclusion, the jury found Rosario guilty of multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and drug distribution resulting in death.

The case was investigated by the DEA and the Scranton Police Department, with prosecution led by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O'Hara and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd.

Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, this case underscores efforts to reduce violent and drug-related crimes through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The program aims to improve public safety by building community trust, supporting prevention initiatives, setting enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.