Meet DA Investigator Xanthe Rosario

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet District Attorney Investigator Xanthe Rosario.

Xanthe was born in San Diego, California, but spent the first years of her life in Mexico. Her mother brought her back to the US when she was six years old.

She is currently a DA Investigator assigned to the Child Abduction Unit in the Family Protection Division, where her role is to investigate parental child abduction. She investigates cases where a child is unlawfully taken or kept by a parent or guardian in violation of custody agreements or court orders. These cases often involve situations where one parent takes the child across state lines, conceals their location, or refuses to return the child after a visitation period. The Child Abduction Unit works to locate missing children and the parent who abducted them; ensure the enforcement of custody orders issued by family courts, coordinate with law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and sometimes federal authorities (like the FBI) when abductions involve crossing state or international borders; recover the child safely and return them to the legal guardian or custodial parent;  and prevent future abductions by prosecuting violations of custody agreements or court orders. The unit also investigates “Hagues” cases. In the context of parental child abduction, The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a multilateral treaty designed to address international child abduction cases. The Hague Convention on Child Abduction aims to promptly return children who have been abducted by a parent or guardian across international borders, ensuring custody disputes are settled in the child’s country of habitual residence.

During her spare time, Xanthe enjoys spending time with her teens, guiding them through life, hiking, and cooking for family and friends while having gatherings at her house because “food always brings people together.” She also belongs to a volunteer group that allows her to travel to other countries and volunteer by working with kids in unfortunate neighborhoods, like the child she is pictured with while volunteering in Costa Rica.

What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement?

“I was inspired by the honor and respect I have for law enforcement. At a young age, I pursued a law enforcement career because I felt compassion and wanted to protect vulnerable and innocent people. I’ve admired the dedication and commitment of officers who put their lives on the line specifically for that purpose. The career inspired me to be a better human, a better mother, and a better servant. I began my career in law enforcement as a correctional officer at the San Diego County Probation Department. Then, I was hired by the Los Angeles Police Department, where I worked as an undercover in high schools, internal affairs, and a narcotics unit. In 2004, I was hired by the Chula Vista Police Department. At CVPD, I was a School Resource Officer and a detective in the Family Protection Unit and Crimes of Violence Unit. After 19 years at CVPD, I was hired by the DA’s Office. A strong sense of justice drove me to pursue a career at the DA’s Office. I knew my passion and my ability to connect with people would pay off. Working in the DA’s Office allows me to hold offenders accountable while seeking fair and balanced outcomes. The ability to advocate for kids and innocent people truly motivates me daily.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“My favorite part of the job is being deeply motivated by the responsibility of ensuring fairness. I am fulfilled by coming to work and helping my partners and co-workers. Knowing that I enjoy what I do and being thankful for my everyday growth.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“Being Hispanic, speaking Spanish fluently, and working for multiple agencies where a high percentage of the people we serve are Hispanic and vulnerable has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Hispanic Heritage Month is the time to recognize and celebrate Hispanic and Latino Americans’ contributions, history, culture, and achievements. It highlights people’s diverse backgrounds, traditions, and rich cultural heritage. For this reason, I will continue to use my language and my Hispanic background as a strength.”