4-time deported man sentenced for trafficking cocaine in Charlotte, illegal re-entry into US

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A man, who was previously deported multiple times, was sentenced to over a decade in prison for trafficking cocaine across the Charlotte area and illegally reentering the United States, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.

Raul Rojas, 44, was sentenced to 135 months followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of a mixture of cocaine, and illegal entry of a deported convicted felon.

“Rojas repeatedly violated our nation’s immigration laws and returned to the United States to traffic large quantities of cocaine. Armed with guns, he posed a serious threat to our community. This sentence ensures he’ll spend more than a decade in federal prison before being promptly deported,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson.

Between December 2024 and January 2025, Rojas sold cocaine to an undercover cop on at least three occasions, according to court documents. Following the purchases, law enforcement conducted a search warrant at Rojas’ residence in Charlotte on Feb. 28, 2025.

In the search, investigators seized approximately 33 kilograms of cocaine, two firearms, digital scales, a drug ledger, and approximately $64,489 in U.S. currency, court records show.

“Every time a dangerous criminal like Rojas returns to our streets and brings drugs and weapons into our neighborhoods, families and communities are put at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Zito. “This outcome shows that HSI and our partners are determined to stand between traffickers and the people they threaten. We’re committed to making Charlotte—and every community we serve—a safer place by taking action against those who repeatedly break our laws and endanger lives.”

Rojas had been deported from the United States at least four times, according to court documents. Officials said he was first deported in 2010 for assaulting a family member in Virginia. He was deported again from Texas in 2013, Utah in 2015, and Virginia in 2019 for illegal reentry convictions, court records said.

“This investigation shows what is possible when local and federal agencies work side-by-side to keep our great city safe. Rojas’s actions posed a serious threat to our community, and through strong partnerships we were able to hold him accountable,” said CMPD Chief Patterson.