A former Nassau County detective with strong links to the Bonanno crime family appeared in court this week over allegations that he was assisting the criminal enterprise with its gambling operations. He pleaded not guilty to charges of obstruction of justice and lying to FBI agents.
Witnesses provided testimony on Thursday about how Detective Hector Rosario would often tip off colleagues in law enforcement about rival gambling dens, even giving them the password for entry on one occasion to an underground casino in Long Island.
He explained that the officers would go to the location, ask for a coffee, and say they knew “Kelly” to gain entry. The former detective also had plenty of information about the facility’s security measures and gaming machines, which raised suspicions among some colleagues.
allegedly received $1,500 per month from the Bonannos for his services
The 51-year-old also tipped-off law enforcement about gambling dens linked to the Genovese and Gambino crime families. On one occasion, Rosario even staged police raids against rival criminals when their own profits started dipping. He allegedly received $1,500 per month from the Bonannos for his services.
Law enforcement pinched Rosario in August 2022 alongside eight alleged members of organized crime. The betting ring usually saw mafia families working together since at least May 2012. They also ran lucrative illegal poker games and slot machines at several locations, with revenue from one of the locations exceeding $10,000 every week.
FBI agents approached Rosario in January 2020 and interviewed him about the information he provided. He said he never went to any of the locations and denied knowing who was in charge of them.
Rosario’s defense is that the entire case relies on the testimony of witnesses who were involved in organized crime and are seeking reduced sentences for cooperating.