By Forum Staff
A former detective with the Nassau County Police Department was recently found guilty of making false statements to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents about his work for the Bonanno crime family, according to federal prosecutors.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said that Rosario “cared more about lining his pockets than his fidelity to the law” and “disgracefully compromised the investigative work of his fellow detectives by tipping off a target and lied to federal agents as the walls were closing in on him.”
As proven at trial, Rosario, 51, was paid by the Bonanno family to protect its illegal gambling operations. For over a decade, the Bonannos operated illegal gambling businesses inside various coffee shops and sports clubs throughout Queens and on Long Island. During the same period, the Genovese organized crime family operated illegal gambling businesses out of their own locations in Queens and Long Island.
Members of the Bonanno family paid Rosario to attempt to shut down rival gambling parlors, including by conducting a fake police “raid” on the Genovese-run gambling spot located inside Sal’s Shoe Repair in Merrick, NY. Rosario also provided a tip about a rival gambling spot to another detective in an attempt to get the location shut down. He warned a Bonanno crime family associate that he was under investigation and not to speak on the phone because law enforcement might be listening, and Rosario also looked up the home address of a possible witness Rosario believed was cooperating against the Bonanno crime family.
In January 2020, during the course of a federal grand jury investigation into the racketeering activities of the Bonanno and Genovese families, Rosario was interviewed by FBI agents. Rosario falsely stated that he had no information about the Mafia or illegal gambling spots. He denied knowing the identity of the crime family associate he had warned, and he further falsely stated that he was not familiar with the gambling business inside Sal’s Shoe Repair.
“This corrupt detective chose to prove his loyalty to an organized crime family over the public he was sworn to protect,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney John 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.”
FBI Acting NY Assistant Director in Charge Leslie Backschies added, “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. Rosario’s lies not only protected an organized criminal enterprise, but also eroded the public’s trust in law enforcement and are a disservice to all who wear the badge honoring their oath to protect and serve. The FBI remains committed to disrupting any corrupt officer who prioritizes personal wealth over integrity to the shield.”
Rosario was acquitted by the jury of obstruction of justice.
