A federal judge in Tampa, Florida, has issued an arrest warrant for Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret accused of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in Venezuela in 2020. Goudreau, 49, failed to appear in court for a hearing regarding potential violations of his pre-trial release conditions. Last year, he was arrested on weapons smuggling charges tied to the botched invasion, which aimed to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Released on bond secured by filmmaker Jen Gatien’s $2 million Manhattan apartment, Goudreau now faces allegations of abusive behavior and threats to flee the country. Gatien testified that Goudreau reneged on financial agreements and sent threatening messages, including claims he would not return to jail. Judge Christopher Tuite issued the warrant after Goudreau’s absence, despite his ankle monitor still being active in the Tampa area. Goudreau’s attorney expressed confusion over his client’s disappearance. The 2020 plot, dubbed the ‘Bay of Piglets,’ involved training Venezuelan deserters in Colombia for a cross-border raid. Exposed by The Associated Press, the mission failed, resulting in casualties and imprisonment of Goudreau’s associates. Gatien’s documentary, ‘Men of War,’ initially sympathetic to Goudreau, has since highlighted his deceit and coercive behavior. Prosecutors also revealed Goudreau’s attempts to retrieve assault rifles stored by an Oklahoma couple, violating court orders. Goudreau, a Canadian-born U.S. citizen, claims his mission had tacit approval from the Trump administration, which has faced criticism for its approach to Venezuelan regime change. He remains a polarizing figure, recently accusing the CIA of sabotaging his efforts and questioning U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela.
Judge orders arrest of ex-Green Beret tied to failed Venezuela raid after court no-show
