A former Nassau County detective, Hector Rosario, was found guilty on March 5, 2025, of lying to the FBI to shield a Mafia family’s illegal gambling operations in the New York City suburbs. The conviction culminated a tense seven-day trial in federal court in Brooklyn, where the jury deliberated on the charges against Rosario, a 51-year-old police veteran who had served for 15 years. He was acquitted of the more severe charge of obstruction of justice, which could have landed him a 20-year sentence, as his defense argued that he had no knowledge of the federal investigation aimed at his criminal associates.
- Former Nassau County detective convicted of lying
- Rosario acquitted of obstruction of justice
- Took bribes for protecting Mafia operations
- Prosecutor called him a "corrupt detective"
- Faces up to five years in prison
- Trial based on testimony from cooperating mobsters
Rosario’s deception allegedly stemmed from a long-standing relationship with the Bonanno crime family, which saw him pocketing thousands of dollars in exchange for sensitive information and the use of his badge. Prosecutors painted a vivid picture of a detective who prioritized personal profit over public duty. U.S. Attorney John Durham characterized Rosario as a “corrupt detective” who prioritized loyalty to the mob over the integrity of his office. “Hector Rosario cared more about lining his pockets with Bonanno family money and protecting his own interests than his fidelity to the law,” Durham stated. Similarly, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly emphasized how Rosario not only compromised police investigations but actively aided a mobster by alerting him to the scrutiny he faced.
The investigation began in 2020 when FBI agents started probing organized crime activities in New York’s suburbs, drawing attention to Rosario’s actions. During those interviews, he reportedly denied having any knowledge of Mafia operations or illegal gambling sites, a claim that was later proven false. The FBI, acting with a swarm of agents investigating the Bonanno and Genovese families, underscored how Rosario misled them at crucial moments.
To bolster their case, prosecutors highlighted how Rosario tipped off a mob associate about an impending inquiry and allegedly provided crucial information that jeopardized a witness cooperating with law enforcement. The depths of his betrayal included maneuvering law enforcement resources to target competing gambling establishments and orchestrating a sham police raid on a rival operation disguised as a shoe repair shop.
Rosario, who was fired from the Nassau County Police Department following the scandal, faces a potential sentence of up to five years when he returns to court for sentencing. His legal team, claiming the case hinged on the unreliable testimonies of mobsters facing their own criminal charges, has indicated plans to appeal the conviction.
The fallout from Rosario’s actions has broader implications, revealing systemic issues within law enforcement integrity in a region long plagued by organized crime. Experts emphasize that the case is a sobering reminder of how easily lines can blur, complicating the fabric of public trust in law enforcement.
Closing arguments in the trial resonated with both the weight of Rosario’s betrayal and the repercussions of his actions. As authorities continue to peel back the layers of corruption linked to organized crime in the region, the echoes of this case are likely to reverberate throughout law enforcement circles, prompting a reassessment of policing relationships and regulations.
Moving forward, as Rosario awaits sentencing, both the law enforcement community and the public remain keenly aware of the implications of this case, hopeful for reforms that could restore faith in those sworn to protect. The fate of not just one man, but of an entire policing institution, hangs in the balance as the ripple effects of corruption continue to unfold.
