Raul Bello Rojas, a 43-year-old illegal alien from Mexico, appeared in federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina, to face charges related to cocaine trafficking, unlawful gun possession, and illegal reentry. The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Joining Ferguson in the announcement were Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for North and South Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. According to charging documents and court proceedings, Rojas allegedly possessed over five kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute. He also allegedly had a 9mm handgun and a .380 caliber handgun connected to his drug trafficking activities. Rojas has been previously deported multiple times from the United States.
In addition to the criminal charges against him, an indictment seeks forfeiture of more than $64,000 seized during a search warrant execution. If convicted on all counts—possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms related to drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms by an illegal alien, and illegal reentry—Rojas faces substantial prison sentences ranging from mandatory minimums to life imprisonment.
Rojas's initial appearance took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler. He has been detained since his arrest on February 28th.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and CMPD with Assistant U.S. Attorney William Bozin handling prosecution duties for the case.
The charges are allegations at this stage; Rojas remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.