Raul Bello Rojas, a 43-year-old Mexican national previously deported from the United States, appeared in a federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina. He faces charges related to cocaine trafficking, unlawful gun possession, and illegal reentry into the country. The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
The case involves collaboration between 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). It is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
Court documents allege that Rojas intended to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and illegally possessed firearms—a 9mm handgun and a .380 caliber handgun—in connection with his drug activities. Additionally, he is accused of being an illegal alien who has been removed from the U.S. multiple times before. Authorities also intend to seize over $64,000 found during a search warrant execution.
Rojas faces several charges: possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking has a statutory penalty of life imprisonment; firearm possession by an illegal alien could result in up to 15 years in prison; and illegal reentry could lead to up to 10 years' imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on various guidelines if Rojas is convicted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler oversaw Rojas's initial appearance following his arrest on February 28, 2025. The charges are currently allegations; Rojas remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and CMPD with Assistant U.S. Attorney William Bozin leading the prosecution.
