A U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, has been arrested on federal drug charges following a raid on an illegal nightclub, according to the FBI.
Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez was taken into custody Wednesday evening, the FBI in Denver confirmed. He allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover DEA agent near his Colorado Springs home on April 22, as detailed in a federal complaint. Investigators also found text messages that indicated “months of suspected cocaine trafficking.”
Orona-Rodriguez faces charges for distribution, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
The soldier was one of 17 active-duty service members present during the DEA’s weekend raid on an unlicensed after-hours nightclub in Colorado Springs. He’s believed to have a leadership or ownership role in Immortal Security LLC, a company that provides armed security for nightclubs, including the one targeted in the raid.
Authorities suspect that employees of Immortal Security, which includes both current and former service members, are involved in drug distribution.
The complaint notes that in March, Orona-Rodriguez was informed by his commanding officer that Immortal Security was off-limits to service members and that any off-duty employment required battalion commander approval — which he didn’t have.
Beyond the alleged drug trafficking, Orona-Rodriguez is also under investigation for unlawfully trafficking firearms, including high-capacity weapons, to undocumented immigrants.
Immortal Security could not be reached for comment.
The soldier was arrested with assistance from the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division, the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, and Fort Carson officials. “We will continue to cooperate with all agencies involved,” a Fort Carson spokesperson said.
The DEA said the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative aimed at fighting illegal immigration, dismantling drug cartels, and reducing violent crime.
Orona-Rodriguez, who has served in the military for more than eight years, is assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He has received an Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device. He’s set to appear in court Thursday at 2 p.m. local time. Court records show no prior felony convictions and no listed attorney.
During the nightclub raid, the DEA detained more than 200 people, including 17 active-duty service members—16 of whom are assigned to Fort Carson. Authorities also apprehended 114 undocumented immigrants, most from Central and South America. Drugs and weapons were recovered from the scene.
