SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A 63-year-old man was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Monday for supplying drugs that resulted in two fatal overdoses in North Park.
Scott Anthony Sargent admitted to distributing a mix of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to a 35-year-old man and 40-year-old woman in 2022. The victims were pronounced dead on scene, Sargent and another person present were treated with Narcan.
“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,” U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated in a news release.
Authorities found 318 grams of methamphetamine, 26.2 grams of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl and 13 bags of a tan powdery substance in Sargent’s backpack at the scene, according to a news release.
The suspect’s duffel bag also contained 30.4 grams of methamphetamine and 11.3 grams of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl, according to law enforcement.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Overdose Response Team.
“Fentanyl dealers are driving a nationwide wave of death, and this case is a tragic reminder of that danger,” DEA Special Agent in Charge James Nunnallee said. “Eighteen years in prison reflects the severity of his actions and our unwavering commitment to stopping those who profit from this deadly drug.”
Authorities also retrieved two 40 mm semi-automatic handguns, 5.44 grams of cocaine, 3.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and 113.4 grams of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl from Sargent’s storage locker.
This sentencing is a result of ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute the distribution of drugs, fentanyl in particular, that lead to overdose deaths, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of California.
“Nothing can undo the loss these families have suffered, but their loved ones’ memories drive our unwavering resolve to confront the fentanyl crisis,” Gordon said.