Brian F. Rose, Jr., of West Columbia, was sentenced to 30 years after pleading guilty on April 23 in Lexington County General Sessions Court to Distribution of Narcotics-2nd offense.

Rose received a 20-year sentence for distributing fentanyl to 15-year-old Tara Sanderson, who died on Jan. 26, 2022, due to a fentanyl overdose. Rose also pleaded guilty to an additional charge of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, receiving an additional 10 years.

Rose was 23 at the time of the offense when he bought what he believed was heroin on Jan. 26, 2022. He then provided the drug, which contained fentanyl, to Tara, who was said to be an acquaintance of his.

According to the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Tara became symptomatic and then lost consciousness shortly after the exchange. A witness attempted to report this to the cops when Rose told her, “Don’t call the cops.’’ A third party intervened and called 9-1-1. EMS arrived; however, Tara was pronounced dead of a fentanyl overdose. 

“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,” Rick Hubbard, 11th Circuit Solicitor, said following the guilty plea. “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.”

Tara’s family members also expressed the need for laws when dealing with any narcotics distribution that results in the death of another person.

Tara’s father, Donald Sanderson, addressed the court and said, “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.”

This case was prosecuted by the 11th Circuit Deputy Solicitor Suzzanne Mayers and investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff's Department. Rose will serve his sentence at the S.C. Department of Corrections.