DENVER – In a concerning development, a soldier stationed at Fort Carson has been identified in a significant criminal case tied to an illegal nightclub operation in Colorado Springs. This development emerged following an FBI-led bust at the nightspot, resulting in over 100 immigrants being detained on suspicions of being unlawfully in the United States.
Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, part of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team within the 4th Infantry Division, appeared in court on Thursday. He faces serious allegations of distributing cocaine, following his arrest by federal agents. The FBI disclosed that Orona-Rodriguez had allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover DEA agent shortly before the raid and had reportedly been involved in drug distribution operations since approximately September.
During his court appearance, Orona-Rodriguez was seen in camouflage attire, closely listening as the magistrate elucidated his legal rights. He accepted that a public defender would represent him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garreth Winstead successfully requested that Orona-Rodriguez remain in detention until the upcoming hearing scheduled for Tuesday. His defense attorney, Josh Lilley, refrained from discussing the details of the charges outside the courtroom, staying aligned with the public defender policy of media silence.
The raid on the nightclub, known as Warike, saw the involvement of over 300 law enforcement personnel from different agencies. According to Jonathan Pullen, the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division Special Agent, the venue had been scrutinized long before the operation, having a notorious reputation for narcotics and other criminal activities. During the briefing following the raid, Pullen highlighted the significant amounts of cocaine seized at the site.
Significantly, Orona-Rodriguez was among about 17 active-duty Army members present when the authorities swooped in on Sunday. The arrest affidavit suggests he held a leadership position in a business providing armed security to nightclubs, although it remains unclear if he was performing such duties at the time of the raid. Notably, he had previously been cautioned by a superior officer not to engage in employment with the security firm.
There have been numerous police reports regarding various crimes associated with Warike, including weapons violations, assaults, and other violent acts, thereby painting a troubling picture of operations there. Alongside Orona-Rodriguez, other arrests were made including individuals wanted for different criminal misdemeanors.
Yemi Mobolade, Mayor of Colorado Springs, has backed the FBI raid citing it as a legitimate action against flagrant criminal activities, underpinning the intention to preserve law and order in the locality. His remarks emphasized a commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all residents.
On a broader note, former President Donald Trump publicized the raid, highlighting the crackdown on what he termed as “drug dealers, murderers, and other violent criminals,” through a post on his social media platform.
In a side note, Orona-Rodriguez is recognized for his military service, earning numerous commendations, including an Army Commendation Medal, reflective of commendable performance under dire combat conditions, amidst a nearly nine-year service history.
Of the soldiers found at the club, most were there as patrons except for one identifiable individual serving a security role that evening. Only one of these service members’ affiliations beyond Fort Carson remains unverified. Investigators are on the lookout for Orona-Rodriguez’s alleged cocaine supplier, a Mexican citizen suspected of being in the U.S. unlawfully.
Faced with two drug-related charges, Orona-Rodriguez’s legal proceedings continue, opening a significant chapter in the ongoing struggle against drug distribution and related crimes in the community.