Scott Anthony Sargent, a 63-year-old resident of San Diego, has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that led to the deaths of two people in North Park in 2022.
The sentencing took place on Friday, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeking the maximum sentence of 20 years. Prosecutors argued that Sargent continued selling fentanyl even after the fatal overdoses occurred, demonstrating disregard for human life and prioritizing profit.
“This sentence reflects one of our Office’s priorities of federally prosecuting and securing significant sentences for drug dealers who provide deadly drugs to their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Nothing can undo the loss these families have suffered, but their loved ones’ memories drive our unwavering resolve to confront the fentanyl crisis.”
“Fentanyl dealers are driving a nationwide wave of death, and this case is a tragic reminder of that danger,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge James Nunnallee. “Eighteen years in prison reflects the severity of his actions and our unwavering commitment to stopping those who profit from this deadly drug.”
On November 10, 2022, San Diego Police officers and investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team responded to a 911 call at a residence in North Park. They found four people unresponsive; two were pronounced dead at the scene. Sargent and another individual were revived with Narcan and later recovered after receiving medical attention.
According to court documents, Sargent admitted he distributed a mixture containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl—a common analogue—to the victims, causing their deaths. Investigators connected him to the overdoses through evidence found both at the scene and during a search of his storage locker.
Authorities recovered large quantities of narcotics at the location: Sargent’s backpack contained methamphetamine, fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl mixtures, and additional bags of suspected drugs. A duffel bag found in a bedroom also held more methamphetamine and fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl.
A subsequent search of Sargent’s storage locker revealed two semi-automatic handguns, several kilograms of methamphetamine, cocaine, and more fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl.
The investigation was conducted by Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team, along with support from local law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, San Diego Police Department, La Mesa Police Department, National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, California Department of Health Care Services, and San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. The DEA formed its Overdose Response Team as part of efforts to address rising overdose deaths in San Diego County.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Ellison prosecuted the case.
Sargent pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl under federal law (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)), which carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison.
