Bridgeport Man Destroyed Evidence In Heroin Case: Feds

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A city man was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for destroying heroin evidence, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Ivan Rosario, aka "Ghost," 34, will also serve fie years' supervised release.

An investigation revealed that Rosario headed a Bridgeport-based heroin trafficking organization that, between approximately April 2015 and March 2017, received at least 30 kilograms of heroin that had been transported from Mexico to Bridgeport hidden inside motorcycles equipped with secret compartments. The organization then distributed the drug in the Bridgeport area.

During the investigation, investigators seized approximately $100,000 from a hidden compartment in one of Rosario’s cars, and approximately $90,000 in cash that was hidden in the residences of family members.

He was indicted along with six others on heroin trafficking and related offenses in March 2017.

While he was detained in federal custody and awaiting trial, Rosario schemed to destroy evidence, according to prosecutors. He used threats to force his child's mother to destroy her cellphone because it included “dangerous” information that would be used against him during trial

According to testimony at Rosario’s trial, the cellphone was discarded in the Long Island Sound.

On April 24, 2018, a jury found Rosario guilty of one count of causing or inducing any person to destroy evidence. The jury could not reach a verdict on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and found Rosario not guilty of one count of witness tampering and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.