Brian F. Rose, Jr., of West Columbia, pled guilty on Wednesday, April 23, in Lexington County General Sessions Court to Distribution of Narcotics – second offense.

This offense resulted in the death of 15 year old Tara Sanderson on Jan. 26, 2022 due to a fentanyl overdose. Rose was sentenced to 20 years for distributing fentanyl to the minor victim. As a result of a separate investigation, Rose also pled guilty to an additional charge of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor – 1^st degree and received a sentence of 10 years, consecutive. Rose received an active sentence of 30 years. Rose also has a prior conviction for narcotics possession.

Rose, who was age 23 at the time of the offense, purchased a quantity of what he believed to be heroin on Jan. 26, 2022. Rose then provided the drug to Tara Sanderson, who was an acquaintance of Rose. The drug purchase contained fentanyl. Tara quickly became symptomatic, and then lost consciousness. A witness attempted to intervene and reported to law enforcement that Rose told her “don’t call the cops.” Ultimately, a third party called 911 and reported that Tara was unconscious. EMS arrived and attempted life saving measures, however, Tara was later pronounced dead of a fentanyl overdose.

This case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes and investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Following the guilty plea, Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard stated:

“It is impossible to overstate the dangers of fentanyl within our community and the risks that this drug poses to young people. This case is a prime example of why law enforcement and prosecutors need a statute on drug-induced homicide. There is a fentanyl-induced homicide bill currently pending at the Statehouse and we hope the legislature will provide us with the tools we need to fight this war.”

The family of Tara Sanderson also expressed the need for a law which is specifically designed to criminalize any narcotics distribution which results in the death of another person. Fentanyl has proven to be highly lethal in extremely small quantities. During the sentencing hearing, Tara’s mother Kristy Waggle, and father Donald Sanderson, addressed the Court. Her father stated:

“Tara was a beautiful girl who loved gymnastics and cheerleading, she always knew how to light up a room. This man took the one thing in my life that meant the most to me. She was just a baby … no father should have to bury their child at the age of 15.”

Tara’s grandparents, Kathy and David Nicholson, also addressed the Court. Her grandparents described the impact of Tara’s loss on their family:

“I could be here for a very long time, like forever, talking about all of Tara’s wonderful and amazing qualities. She brought so much joy to all of us. This has devastated our family, no words can begin to describe the heartache.”

Rose has been transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin service of his sentence.