Defendant Charged with Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in Overdose Deaths of Two People

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - April 25, 2024

SAN DIEGO - Scott Anthony Sargent of San Diego appeared in federal court today to face charges that he distributed the fentanyl that resulted in the deaths of two victims in North Park in 2022. During the same incident, Sargent and another person also overdosed but survived.

Sargent is also charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. At today's hearing, Sargent was detained without bond.

San Diego Police officers along with investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration's Overdose Response Team responded to a 911 call just before 6 a.m. on November 10, 2022. When they arrived, four individuals were found lying on the floor of a bedroom. Two of the individuals, identified in court records by the initials Z.W. and M.L., were pronounced dead at the scene, while Sargent and another individual were treated with Narcan and transported to nearby hospitals where they recovered.

Sargent allegedly brought and then distributed the fatal mix of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl (a common fentanyl analogue) to a residence in North Park. Investigators linked Sargent to the overdoses through the fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl mixture found at the overdose location. The mixture was also found inside Sargent's backpack and duffel bag recovered from the scene. A subsequent search by investigators of Sargent's storage unit also turned up additional baggies containing the same combination of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl.

"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."

"Mr. Sargent's alleged actions cost two people their lives," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis. "The San Diego DEA and its partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that sell, traffic, or provide fentanyl in our community."

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Gordon and Sarah Goldwasser.

Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration's Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) led the investigation. This case is the 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-fentanyl in particular-that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County.

DEFENDANT Case Number 24-CR-807-RSH

Scott Anthony Sargent Age: 63 San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death - Title 18, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C)

Maximum penalty: Life in prison

Mandatory minimum: Twenty years in prison

Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine - Title 18, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1), and 846

Maximum penalty: Life in prison

Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Drug Enforcement Administration

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Homeland Security Investigations

San Diego County District Attorney's Office

San Diego Police Department

State of California Department of Health Care Services

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.