Former Detective Convicted for Protecting Mafia Gambling Operations

Hector Rosario, previously a detective with the Nassau County police on Long Island, has been found guilty of lying to the FBI. Authorities asserted that Rosario intended to shield illegal gambling operations run by the Bonanno crime family in the suburbs of New York City. Despite being convicted on the charge of lying, Rosario was acquitted by the jury on another major count—obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors detailed how Rosario knowingly accepted bribes, totaling thousands of dollars, from mob members associated with the notorious Bonanno family. In exchange for these payments, he undertook unlawful activities to disrupt law enforcement investigations, including tipping off mobsters about ongoing investigations and even providing a cooperating witness's home address.

Evidence presented during the trial alleged that Rosario directed police raids against competing criminal gambling locations and orchestrated a sham raid on a shoe repair shop run by the rival Genovese family. This fake police operation was designed to weaken competing criminal businesses while helping the Bonanno family maintain their illicit activities.

Authorities uncovered Rosario's activities during a comprehensive federal investigation into Mafia-operated gambling establishments in 2020. During questioning by the FBI, Rosario falsely claimed innocence and stated he held no knowledge of Mafia-run gambling operations.

Following the conviction, U.S. attorney John Durham and Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly condemned Rosario, labeling him a "corrupt" detective who prioritized financial gain and loyalty to organized crime over his sworn duties. Rosario has since been fired from the Nassau County police force and now potentially faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for his conviction.

Rosario's defense argued throughout the trial that the prosecution's evidence was largely based on questionable testimony from cooperative mob informants, and they have indicated plans to appeal the conviction. Rosario remains free on bail pending sentencing.

This case is part of a broader effort by law enforcement against Mafia-controlled gambling operations reminiscent of past decades. Rosario's indictment was among those of nine individuals connected to illegal gambling and other organized crime activities, including racketeering and money laundering. Notably, the arrests included individuals known by colorful mob nicknames such as "Joe Fish," "Sal the Shoemaker," and "Joe Box," running businesses used to camouflage illicit activities behind seemingly legitimate fronts such as coffee shops and social clubs.