Fort Carson Soldier Hit With Drug Charges After Nightclub Raid

A Fort Carson Army sergeant faces federal charges related to his alleged role in a cocaine distribution scheme and illegal firearms sales following a raid at an underground nightclub.

Quick Takes

Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez was arrested on charges of cocaine distribution following a multi-agency raid at an illegal Colorado Springs nightclub.
The nightclub, Warike, was staffed by Orona-Rodriguez’s security company.
Over 100 immigrants alleged to be in the US illegally were detained in the operation involving 300 officials from multiple agencies, including FBI, ATF, and ICE.
Orona-Rodriguez allegedly sold cocaine to undercover agents and offered to sell firearms to undocumented immigrants despite direct orders from his commanding officer.
The 8-year military veteran continued working at the nightclub despite it being declared “off limits” by his superior officer.

Military Career Derailed by Serious Criminal Activity

Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, an 8-year military veteran with several commendations, now faces federal charges following a massive raid at an illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs. The raid, conducted on April 27, 2025, involved approximately 300 officials from multiple agencies including the DEA, FBI, ATF, ICE, and local law enforcement. Orona-Rodriguez was assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson at the time of his arrest and has no prior felony convictions.

According to court documents, Orona-Rodriguez was involved in a cocaine distribution scheme since at least September 2024. He allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover DEA agent and text messages recovered by investigators revealed discussions about drug quantities, quality, and pricing with a conspirator and customers. His supplier is believed to be a Mexican citizen who is in the United States illegally. Fort Carson officials have confirmed they are aware of the arrest and are cooperating fully with investigators.

Fort Carson soldier charged with distribution of cocaine after DEA operation at illegal Colorado Springs nightclub https://t.co/yhXxrxsP52

— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) May 1, 2025

Connection to Underground Nightclub and Security Operations

The investigation revealed that Orona-Rodriguez was part of Immortal Security LLC, a company that provided armed guards to staff Warike, the nightclub at the center of the raid. Despite direct orders from his commanding officer prohibiting such employment and declaring the establishment “off limits,” Orona-Rodriguez reportedly continued working for the security company. The nightclub had been the subject of numerous 911 calls reporting various crimes, including weapons violations and narcotics distribution.

Law enforcement officials seized drugs, firearms, and evidence of other illegal activity during the operation. The nightclub allegedly served as a hub for various criminal activities, with Orona-Rodriguez playing a significant role in both security operations and drug distribution within the establishment.

Illegal Firearms Sales and Immigration Issues

Beyond drug trafficking, Orona-Rodriguez is also accused of offering to sell illegal weapons to an undocumented immigrant. Text messages recovered by investigators show him discussing firearm sales, including weapons with high-capacity magazines, and insisting on cash payments. His alleged criminal activities extended well beyond the military installation, creating serious national security and public safety concerns. Messages indicated that his drug operation was becoming financially burdensome, with Orona-Rodriguez complaining that it was “getting expensive.”

The April 27 raid resulted in the detention of over 100 immigrants alleged to be in the US illegally. Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on the operation, stating: “This morning @DEAHQ apprehended over 100 illegal aliens at an underground nightclub frequented by Tda and MS-13 terrorists. Cocaine, meth, and pink cocaine was seized.” Many of the detainees are expected to face federal immigration charges.

According to investigators, Orona-Rodriguez’s primary drug supplier was described as “unlawfully present in the United States without admission and is a Mexican citizen.” Following his arrest, Orona-Rodriguez was initially held at the El Paso County jail before being released to FBI custody. He is set to appear at a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, May 6.