Fort Carson Soldier Charged in Nightclub Cocaine Case

Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier at Fort Carson, Colorado, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine following a major law enforcement raid on the Warike nightclub in Colorado Springs. The raid, led by the DEA and involving over 300 officers, resulted in the detention of more than 100 suspected undocumented immigrants and at least 17 active-duty service members. Orona-Rodriguez allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover DEA agent days before the raid and is believed to have held a leadership role in a security company providing armed security at the club. Court documents indicate his drug-related activities may have spanned several months. Warike was under investigation for drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes. Orona-Rodriguez remains in federal custody as the Army, FBI, and DEA continue their joint investigation.