Scott Anthony Sargent, a resident of San Diego, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for distributing 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.
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 North Park residence. Upon arrival, they discovered four unresponsive individuals. Two were declared dead at the scene, while Sargent and another person received Narcan treatment and recovered after being taken for medical care.
In his plea agreement, Sargent confessed to distributing the lethal combination of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to the victims. This connection was established through evidence found both at the overdose site and during a search of Sargent's storage locker.
At the location, authorities discovered Sargent's backpack containing significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl. His duffel bag held additional amounts of these substances. Further investigation of his storage locker revealed firearms alongside large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath commented on the case: “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 in Charge 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 stated: “Our department, along with federal and local partners, proudly brought justice to the victims of this heartbreaking crime.” He warned others involved in drug distribution that they would be prosecuted similarly.
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 several agencies including the DEA’s Overdose Response Team which was formed due to rising overdose deaths in San Diego County.