Hector Rosario, a former detective with the Nassau County Police Department, has been convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn for making false statements to FBI agents regarding his involvement with the Bonanno crime family. The trial lasted seven days and was presided over by United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano. Following his indictment in August 2022, Rosario was dismissed from his position at the police department. He could face up to five years in prison when sentenced.
The verdict announcement came from John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office; and Anne T. Donnelly, District Attorney for Nassau County.
“This corrupt detective chose to prove his loyalty to an organized crime family over the public he was sworn to protect,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “When police officers exploit their positions for personal gain, it erodes public trust in law enforcement. My Office has zero tolerance for corruption by any public officials and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that it is punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Hector Rosario, a former Nassau County detective, allowed himself to be bought by the mob to blatantly lie during a federal investigation into the Bonanno family’s illegal gambling operations,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Backschies. “Rosario’s lies not only protected an organized criminal enterprise but also eroded the public’s trust in law enforcement and is a disservice to all who wear the badge honoring their oath to protect and serve."
“Hector Rosario cared more about lining his pockets with Bonanno family money and protecting his own interests than his fidelity to the law,” stated Nassau County District Attorney Donnelly.
During the trial, evidence showed that Rosario was paid by the Bonanno crime family to safeguard its illegal gambling activities conducted at various locations across Queens and Long Island. He allegedly attempted fake police raids on rival gambling spots operated by other organized crime families such as Genovese.
In January 2020, amidst a federal grand jury investigation into racketeering activities involving both crime families, Rosario denied having knowledge about Mafia operations or illegal gambling during interviews with FBI agents.
Although convicted of making false statements, Rosario was acquitted on charges of obstruction of justice.
The prosecution team included Assistant United States Attorneys Anna L. Karamigios, Sophia M. Suarez, Sean M. Sherman along with Paralegal Specialist Eleanor Jaffe-Pachuilo from the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.