A 63-year-old San Diego man has been charged with distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose deaths of two people in North Park in 2022.
Scott Anthony Sargent, 63, of San Diego, appeared in federal court on April 25, 2024, to face charges that he distributed the fentanyl that led to the deaths of Z.W. and M.L. during an incident on November 10, 2022.
According to court records, Sargent and another person also overdosed but survived after being treated with Narcan at the scene. A subsequent investigation found that Sargent allegedly brought and distributed a fatal mix of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to a residence in North Park.
The mixture was linked to Sargent through evidence found at the overdose location and in his backpack and duffel bag. Additional baggies containing the same combination of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl were found in Sargent’s storage unit.
Sargent is also charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. He was detained without bond during his court appearance.
“Fentanyl kills indiscriminately,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Yet as was accomplished in this case investigators will leave no stone unturned in the effort to identify and charge distributors of this poison.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Gordon and Sarah Goldwasser. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team and involved multiple agencies.
Sargent faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison. He also faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is a result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Diego Police Department, and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs.
Sargent’s detention without bond is a clear indication of the seriousness of the charges against him. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of fentanyl on communities and the importance of holding accountable those who distribute this deadly substance.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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