Charlotte Man Sentenced for Selling Guns and Fentanyl Connected to the Death of a Cary Man

WILMINGTON, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Kenneth Mark Rosado, age 40, to 15 years in federal prison for selling guns and fentanyl that led to the fentanyl overdose death of a 21-year-old Cary man. On October 21, 2025, Rosado pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Between 2023 and 2024, he sold 57 guns, knowing those weapons would end up in the hands of criminals on the streets. On November 20, 2024, he was federally charged in Charlotte with trafficking guns. A judge released him and placed him into a drug treatment center while that case was pending. On April 7, 2026, Rosado pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license after his firearms case was transferred from the WDNC to the EDNC.

"The arrest and prosecution of this drug and gun dealing thug should give people of Eastern North Carolina a sense of relief," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "We will not tolerate despicable bottom-feeders who push poison and guns into our communities. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits - Do Right."

In January 2025, while in the treatment center awaiting trial, Rosado met and befriended a 21-year-old Cary man. Through their relationship, he indicated to the Cary man that he provides drugs. Rosado then absconded, fleeing to Charlotte where he met the 21-year-old victim in a hotel room. He sold fentanyl to the victim, who returned to Cary, used the fentanyl, and died. The victim's parents discovered his dead body in his bedroom in the family room the following day.

Despite the fatal episode, Rosado continued selling drugs without remorse. Undercover officers subsequently carried out a controlled purchase of fentanyl from him, during which he admitted to routinely acquiring dealer-level quantities of the drug.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Cary Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department investigated this case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-63-M and 5:26-CR-1-M.