News Summary
A 23-year-old man from Lexington County has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl that led to the overdose death of 15-year-old Tara Sanderson. Brian F. Rose, Jr. faced charges of narcotics distribution and sexual exploitation of a minor. The sentencing underscores the ongoing opioid crisis and the need for community awareness and prevention efforts regarding dangerous substances like fentanyl.
Lexington County – A Lexington County man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the overdose death of a minor from fentanyl. Brian F. Rose, Jr., 23 years old at the time of the offenses, pled guilty in Lexington County General Sessions Court to Distribution of Narcotics, marking his second offense. The sentencing occurred on April 23, 2025.
Rose received a 20-year sentence for distributing fentanyl to 15-year-old Tara Sanderson, who died due to a fentanyl overdose on January 26, 2022. Additionally, Rose pled guilty to charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the first degree, resulting in a consecutive 10-year sentence. Rose’s history includes a prior conviction for narcotics possession.
On the day of the incident, Rose had purchased what he believed was heroin and provided some to Tara. Shortly after consuming the substance, she exhibited signs of an overdose. Witnesses at the scene reported that Rose attempted to discourage them from contacting emergency services. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived and attempted life-saving measures, but Tara was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
The prosecution of the case was led by Eleventh Circuit Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes, with investigations conducted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. In light of this tragic incident, Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard highlighted the dangers posed by fentanyl and voiced support for a proposed drug-induced homicide statute under consideration at the Statehouse, aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding drug-related fatalities.
The impact of Tara’s death on her family has been profound. During the sentencing hearing, Tara’s parents and grandparents expressed their grief and the significant emotional toll their loss has taken on their lives.
Following his sentencing, Brian Rose has been transferred to the South Carolina Department of Corrections, where he will begin serving his extensive prison sentence. The case underscores the ongoing issues related to drug overdoses, particularly those involving fentanyl, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention efforts within the community.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illicit drugs and the severe consequences that can arise from their use, particularly among vulnerable individuals such as minors. As authorities continue to grapple with the opioid crisis, cases like this one are prompting discussions about potential legal reforms and enhanced measures to protect communities from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
West Columbia Man Sentenced for Fentanyl-Related Death of Teen
Heartbreaking Reality: Fentanyl Crisis Hits Orange County High School
Additional Resources
- WACH: West Columbia Police Department Undercover Operation
- Wikipedia: Drug Overdose
- WISTV: Cayce Man Arrested on Drug Charges
- Google Search: Fentanyl Overdose
- WLTX: Police Undercover Operation
- Google Scholar: Fentanyl
- ABC Columbia: Irmo Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Distribution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Narcotic
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
