Tara K. McGrath, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California
Scott Anthony Sargent, a resident of San Diego, has entered a guilty plea in federal court, acknowledging his role in supplying fentanyl that led to the deaths of two individuals in North Park in 2022. The victims were a 40-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man.
The incident occurred on November 10, 2022, when law enforcement officials responded to an emergency call at a North Park residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered four unresponsive individuals. Two were declared dead at the scene, while Sargent and another person received Narcan treatment and subsequently recovered after being taken for medical care.
In his plea agreement, Sargent confessed to distributing a lethal combination of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to the deceased victims. This connection was established through evidence found both at the overdose site and during a search of Sargent's storage locker by law enforcement.
At the location, authorities found Sargent's backpack containing significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl. Additional drugs were discovered in his duffel bag within the same room. A subsequent search of his storage locker revealed firearms along with more drugs.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath stated: “This result is another reminder that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is tackling the fentanyl crisis at all levels: from suppliers to traffickers to street-level distributors.” DEA Special Agent Brian Clark added: “A guilty plea cannot undo the lives lost, but it can stand as a stark reminder that those who distribute these drugs will face severe consequences.”
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl emphasized: “Our department, along with federal and local partners, proudly brought justice to the victims of this heartbreaking crime.”
Sargent is scheduled for sentencing on April 4, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Robert Huie.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Gordon and Sarah Goldwasser are prosecuting this case. The investigation was conducted by various agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team and other local law enforcement bodies.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by multiple agencies to address drug distribution leading to overdose deaths in San Diego County.