Mario Rocha, a 27-year-old resident of Rocky Ford, Colorado, has pleaded guilty to several charges related to firearms and drug trafficking. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
Rocha admitted guilt to three counts of possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, as well as possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle and an unregistered short-barreled shotgun.
According to the plea agreement, investigators discovered in August 2025 that Rocha was distributing large amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine from his home. Authorities also learned he had numerous firearms at his residence. After obtaining a search warrant for Rocha's home, FBI agents found over 1 kilogram of cocaine (1169.3 grams), more than 4 kilograms of fentanyl (4742.3 grams—about 45,000 pills), and over 1 kilogram of methamphetamine (1,236 grams). All drugs were possessed with intent to distribute. Agents also recovered a significant amount of U.S. currency and seventeen firearms at the scene, including both a short-barreled shotgun and rifle.
Chief United States District Judge Philip A. Brimmer presided over the hearing. Sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2026.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Denver Field Office in collaboration with the Rocky Ford Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section within the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who traffic dangerous drugs while armed,” said officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
