Two convicted of manslaughter in fentanyl overdose death of 16-year-old

Crystal Marie Swenson sentenced to 41 months in prison; Anthony James Costello sentenced to 48 months in prison

June 27, 2025 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, a Benton County court sentenced Crystal Marie Swenson to 41 months in prison for her role in the fentanyl overdose death of her 16-year-old child, following her April 2025 guilty plea to Second-Degree Manslaughter. Codefendant Anthony James Costello also entered a plea of guilty to Second-Degree Manslaughter in March 2025.  On May 19, 2025, a Benton County court sentenced Costello to 48 months in prison for his role in the same crime.

On March 2, 2024, Costello provided the victim with money to purchase drugs from Swenson, who facilitated the sale. After the victim purchased the drugs, he and Costello consumed them together. The victim overdosed shortly thereafter. An autopsy revealed that the toxic effects of fentanyl caused the victim’s death. One remaining codefendant is pending trial. 

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted the case at the request of Benton County Attorney Kathleen Reuter under Minnesota Statutes Sec. 8.01, which provides, “Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.”

“The 16-year-old victim had his whole life ahead of him, and it tragically ended too soon,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “My thoughts are with the victim’s friends, loved ones, and community today. This heartbreaking incident illustrates how the scourge of fentanyl continues to cause tremendous harm to Minnesotans everywhere. That’s why my Office is helping county attorneys across the state prosecute those responsible for the spread of this deadly drug. I will continue to do everything in my power to improve public safety throughout Minnesota.”

The Sauk Rapids Police Department investigated this crime.