Former Nassau County cop Hector Rosario has found himself in hot water as federal prosecutors have accused him of being on the payroll of the Bonanno crime family and using his position to help them evade the law. The allegations against Rosario include taking monthly payments from the mob, staging fake police raids on rival gambling dens, and obstructing a grand jury probe into racketeering.
During the closing arguments at Rosario’s trial, Assistant US Attorney Sean Sherman painted a picture of a corrupt cop who had betrayed his oath to protect the public in favor of serving the interests of the Mafia. Sherman highlighted how Rosario had lied to cover up his illicit activities and had even lied to the FBI multiple times during their investigation.
According to Sherman, Rosario was so deeply connected to the Bonanno crime family that they considered him a trusted ally who could be relied upon to help them evade law enforcement. The prosecutor also mentioned how Rosario had allegedly targeted rival Genovese and Gambino Mafiosos on behalf of the Bonannos during a feud over a profit-sharing scheme gone awry.
Rosario’s defense attorney, Kestine Thiele, argued that the government had failed to prove their case against her client. She claimed that the prosecution had focused too much on the mob and not enough on Rosario’s alleged actions. Thiele also attacked the credibility of the mobsters who testified against Rosario, pointing out their history of lying and criminal behavior.
One of the key points of contention in the trial was the lack of a paper trail linking payments from the Bonannos to Rosario. Thiele argued that without concrete evidence of financial transactions, the prosecution’s case fell apart. She urged the jury not to convict Rosario based solely on the testimonies of convicted mobsters.
As the trial comes to a close, the jury will begin deliberating on Rosario’s fate. The outcome of the trial will determine whether the former cop will be held accountable for his alleged ties to the Mafia and his role in obstructing justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of corruption within law enforcement and the lengths to which some individuals will go to serve their own interests.
