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Active-Duty Soldier Arrested in Connection with Colorado Springs “After Party” Raid

Arrestan militar activo en relación con redada en “after party” en Colorado Springs Active-Duty Soldier Arrested in Connection with Colorado Springs “After Party” Raid

AFTER PARTY WARIKE | Scene following the raid in which drug doses were found. (Photo/DEA)

FACES FEDERAL DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES

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Juan Gabriel Orona Rodríguez, an active-duty U.S. Army sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, was arrested by the FBI on the night of April 30 on suspicion of cocaine distribution and conspiracy. The 28-year-old decorated soldier of Hispanic origin was formally charged on May 1 with two federal counts after being identified as part of a drug trafficking network operating in southern Colorado.

Court records show that Orona Rodríguez sold cocaine to an undercover DEA agent during the week of April 21. Investigators also recovered text messages showing ongoing cocaine buying and selling between September 2024 and April 2025.

Tied to Security Company at After-Hours Club

The criminal complaint also reveals that Orona Rodríguez held a leadership position at a private security company, Immortal Security LLC, which operated at various nightclubs in Colorado Springs, including “Warike,” an unlawful after-hours venue raided by federal agents on Sunday, April 27.

During the raid—led by the DEA—over 200 people were detained, including 114 undocumented immigrants and at least 17 active-duty soldiers, among them Orona Rodríguez. Warike had previously been the subject of multiple 911 complaints related to drugs, weapons, and violent crime.

According to the FBI, Orona Rodríguez’s presence at the after-hours club during the raid was key to linking him to the broader criminal activity. Authorities are also investigating his potential involvement in weapons trafficking. The case is part of the federal “Take Back America” operation, aimed at dismantling drug cartels and organized crime.

Active-Duty Soldier Arrested in Connection with Colorado Springs “After Party” Raid

Federal Prosecutor Now Leads the Case

Orona Rodríguez remains in FBI custody. His case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Houlihan. While no further charges have been announced, the investigation continues. Fort Carson has stated its full cooperation with federal authorities, as the DEA and the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) lead the joint investigation.

Although Orona Rodríguez is presumed innocent until proven guilty, his arrest marks a turning point in the broader investigation triggered by the closure of the Warike nightclub.