Fort Bragg soldier’s case continues Tuesday in New York
An enlisted soldier at Fort Bragg was granted $250,000 bond release on Friday and will have his charges of using classified information to win $400,000 in a prediction market continued Tuesday in New York.
Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke, member of the Special Forces team helping capture Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, is charged with unlawful use of confidential government information for personal gain; theft of nonpublic government information; commodities fraud; wire fraud; and making an unlawful monetary transaction.
The 38-year-old, if convicted, stands to lose any potential retirement pay and spend years in prison.
Van Dyke appeared Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian S. Meyers in the Eastern District of North Carolina in Raleigh.
On social media, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote, “This involved a U.S. soldier who allegedly took advantage of his position to profit off of a righteous military operation.”
Prosecutors say as part of the operation to capture Maduro, he signed a nondisclosure agreement specific to not releasing classified or sensitive information. He used what he knew to make bets on Polymarket that Maduro would be out of power by Jan. 31.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the entity overseeing Polymarket and other prediction markets, on Thursday filed a complaint against Van Dyke. The commission says he moved $35,000 from his personal bank account to cryptocurrency exchange on Dec. 26.
The commission says between Dec. 30 and Jan. 2, he bet $32,500 in a series of bets. Most were made Jan. 2. He made $404,000 on Maduro bets, and another $5,000 on other bets involving Venezuela, said the commission complaint.
Operation Absolute Resolve, as the capture of Maduro was named, was executed Jan. 3 in Caracas, Venezuela. He was brought to New York City and faced charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president two days later. She was formerly the vice president to Maduro.
Latest News Stories
Beecher-Area Rezoning and Variances Approved to Legalize Structure
Committee Approves Wilton Township Land Division Despite Spot Zoning Concerns
Illinois, Chicago residents rank high taxes as state’s top issue
Illinois quick hits: Illinois House members vote along party lines; More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days; State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee for November 4, 2025
Glock: Judge’s OK of Chicago’s anti-gun lawsuit questionable, at best
Illinois quick hits: DHS responds to migrant release order
Pritzker disagrees with Durbin on vote to end shutdown
Pritzker open to conversation with Trump on alderman’s immigration proposal
Expert: Illinois’ outdated tax law leaves homeowners, taxpayers on the hook
Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz nabs nine drunk drivers; Madigan prosecutor to depart
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort School District 157-C for September 2025