In brief
A federal judge has issued an arrest warrant for Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret accused of plotting to invade Venezuela. Goudreau failed to show up for a court hearing where testimony suggested he posed a flight risk. His bond guarantor, filmmaker Jen Gatien, revealed troubling claims about Goudreau's behavior, including threats and financial coercion. Goudreau had previously been implicated in a failed coup attempt in 2020 that ended disastrously. His absence from court has raised concerns about his intentions and potential risk to the community.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Tampa has ordered the arrest of a former Green Beret, Jordan Goudreau, who is accused of plotting to invade Venezuela in 2020 but failed to appear in court for a bond hearing related to violations of his pre-trial release. Goudreau, 49, was arrested last year on weapons smuggling charges associated with this failed coup attempt during the Trump administration.He was released after a few weeks when filmmaker Jen Gatien pledged her $2 million Manhattan apartment as collateral for his bond. However, in recent testimony, Gatien detailed Goudreau's abusive behavior, alleging he threatened her and indicated intentions to flee the country, recalling his previous life on a sailboat in Mexico.On Friday, Judge Christopher Tuite issued an arrest warrant after waiting 30 minutes for Goudreau to appear for the third day of his bond hearing, where a probation officer confirmed his ankle monitor had registered in the Tampa area, while Goudreau was undergoing equine-assisted therapy.His attorney expressed confusion about Goudreau's absence, stating they had not communicated about his failure to attend.Gatien’s upcoming documentary, 'Men of War', portrays Goudreau’s botched plan to train Venezuelan army deserters for a cross-border invasion to challenge President Nicolas Maduro. The incursion was poorly planned and resulted in violent consequences, with several individuals killed and others imprisoned.Their relationship soured leading up to the bond hearing, as Gatien accused Goudreau of financial coercion and deceit, sharing angry text messages where Goudreau insisted he would not return to prison.Furthermore, individuals set to testify included a couple who stored Goudreau’s belongings and claimed he pressured them to lie about Gatien, further indicating potential risks he poses.This unfolding saga recalls the 2020 invasion attempt dubbed the 'Bay of Piglets', highlighting issues of amateurish strategies in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, which are now being scrutinized again amid renewed concerns over Venezuela. Goudreau has emerged as a controversial figure, commenting critically on U.S. intentions towards Venezuela and alleging sabotage from various governmental entities during his mission.
