Major Drug Trafficker Charged Following Historic Fentanyl and Meth Seizures in New Jersey History

 

United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Chrsitopher Roberts, United States Attorney for the District if New Jersey Robert Frazer, New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and New York State Police (“NYSP”) Superintendent Stephen James, announce that a Passaic County man was charged on Monday with trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base (“crack”) and firearms offenses in one of the largest known drug seizures in New Jersey history.

“Thanks to the outstanding work our DEA New York Task Force Division and our dedicated law enforcement partners, who successfully targeted and dismantled a wholesale poly-drug trafficking organization that has been poisoning our communities with illicit narcotics for far too long” stated DEA Northeast Associate Chief of Operations Frank Tarentino. “In particular, this area of the region is often exploited by drug trafficking organizations as a hub to transport and distribute their illicit and dangerous narcotics throughout the Northeast corridor of the United States. The DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our communities and safeguarding our nation”

This operation, which resulted in the seizure of over 100 kilos of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and crack cocaine, along with the recovery of four firearms, highlights the relentless work that our DEA Task Force team and partners in the NYPD and NYSP demonstrate every day to protect to communities” stated DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “Most notably, this seizure included 42.7 kilos of fentanyl powder, which depending on the potency, could equate up to approximately 5 million deadly doses: nearly half the population of New Jersey. Make no mistake; this wasn’t just a bust; this was a life-saving operation.”

“Narcotics, especially fentanyl, and illegal firearms are a deadly combination that poisons our communities and fuels violence. These charges send a clear message to those who seek to profit by flooding our communities with dangerous drugs: our Office will find you, no matter where you hide or how sophisticated you believe your operation to be. This investigation reflects our commitment to shutting down drug trafficking operations and keeping the people of New Jersey safe from the violence and destruction they cause” stated U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“This case underscores just how dangerous these illicit poisons truly are,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Even the smallest trace of fentanyl can be deadly, and the amount of narcotics seized here had the potential to take the lives of millions of people. Thanks to our efforts, this operation has been shut down and over 100 kilos of drugs and four firearms — including an AK-47 rifle and a shotgun — were removed before they could ever reach New York City streets. We are proud to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure this criminal is held fully accountable.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "This case reflects the scale of the threat posed by individuals who traffic deadly narcotics while arming themselves with illegal weapons. This significant seizure prevented dangerous drugs from reaching our communities and took illegal firearms off the streets.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of the partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together to identify and dismantle major drug trafficking operations.”

Nankel Stuardo Solorzano, 46, Clifton, New Jersey was charged in a four-count superseding complaint with possessing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base with intent to distribute it, possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes, and unlawfully possessing firearms as a previouslyconvicted felon.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Solorzano trafficked large quantities of narcotics out of a residential apartment complex in Clifton, New Jersey. Following an investigation, on April 17, 2026, Solorzano was arrested while attempting to access his stash following two drug deals. After his arrest, and pursuant to court-authorized search warrants, law enforcement conducted a search of Solorzano’s garages and vehicle and discovered millions of dollars’ worth of drugs. Law enforcement seized over 40 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 52 kilograms of methamphetamine, and more than 2 kilograms of cocaine base. They also recovered four firearms, including a stolen handgun, an AK-47-style rifle equipped with a large capacity magazine, and a 12-gauge shotgun, as well as a variety of ammunition and magazines. Following the charges in the superseding complaint, a court-authorized search warrant revealed an additional significant stash of narcotics in Solorzano’s apartment.  Evidence from the investigation is depicted below.

The two counts charging Solorzano with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances each carry a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The count charging Solorzano with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $250,000. The count charging Solorzano with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited with the investigation special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Task Force Division Group T-24 under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts in New York; DEA Charlotte Enforcement Group 2, the New York Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Clifton Police Department.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferrara of the General Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Businessman and Two Attorneys Sentenced for Their Roles in Multimillion Dollar Scheme to Bribe Hawaii County Public Official

 

Three men have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to pay bribes to a public official at the Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) in exchange for his official actions in connection with affordable housing development agreements worth more than $11,000,000. Hawaii (Big Island) attorney, Gary Charles Zamber, 56, of Keaau, Hawaii, was sentenced to 70 months in prison. Former Big Island businessman, Rajesh Pankaj Budhabhatti, 65, of Morro Bay, California, was sentenced to 90 months in prison. Former Big Island attorney, Paul Joseph Sulla, 79, of Hilo, Hawaii, was sentenced to 60 months in prison.

On June 4, 2025, a jury in the District of Hawaii convicted Sulla, Zamber, and Budhabhatti on all counts of a superseding indictment. The three defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and nine counts of honest services wire fraud for their roles in a scheme to bribe Alan Scott Rudo, a Housing Specialist at the OHCD. Sulla was also convicted of money laundering.

“This wasn’t just corruption – it was a calculated betrayal of the very community the defendants were supposed to serve,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Instead of building homes for struggling families looking for an onramp to a better life, the defendants built a scheme to enrich themselves, paying millions in bribes and kickbacks while pretending to help those in need. That kind of greed doesn’t just break the law – it erodes trust, damages institutions, robs honest businesses of opportunities and harms American citizens. The Criminal Division is committed to pursuing those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain.”

“Driven by greed, the defendants sought to enrich themselves at the expense of the Hawaiian community, diverting millions in much needed affordable housing resources intended to benefit Hawaii County’s poor and disadvantaged into the defendants’ own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “Public corruption undermines faith in our institutions and will not be tolerated.  We pledge to hold accountable those who seek to victimize the people of Hawaii by compromising our public officials and institutions for their own greed and personal gain.”

“This sentencing marks another step toward accountability for those who pollute the integrity of our government institutions with bribes and kickbacks,” said Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office. “The defendants’ criminal schemes amounted to more than bribery and fraud — they stole opportunities from Big Island families and our community as a whole. The FBI, alongside our partners, will never stop working to pursue those who undermine the public’s trust and weaken the foundations of our community through corruption and deceit.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sulla, Zamber, and Budhabhatti conspired to pay bribes and kickbacks to Rudo in exchange for Rudo’s agreement to use his official position to ensure that Hawaii County approved three affordable housing agreements (AHAs) benefitting the defendants’ development companies, Luna Loa Developments LLC, West View Developments, LLC and Plumeria at Waikoloa LLC. Although the defendants promised in the AHAs to build affordable housing for the citizens of Hawaii County, their development companies never built a single unit. Through the AHAs, the defendants fraudulently obtained more than $11,000,000 worth of land and excess affordable housing credits (AHCs). From that amount, the defendants paid or attempted to pay Rudo approximately $1,931,778 in bribes and kickbacks.

Sulla was sentenced on April 23. Zamber and Budhabhatti were sentenced on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, respectively. Rudo, who pleaded guilty and testified at trial, will be sentenced at a later date. Zamber’s and Sulla’s law licenses are currently suspended, prohibiting them from practicing law in Hawaii.

The FBI Honolulu Field Office investigated the case.

Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play Initiative Tops $350 Million As Projects Open Across New York State

Statewide Investments Through NY SWIMS and NY BRICKS are Expanding Access to Pools, Community Centers and Recreational Spaces; NY PLAYS Applications To Open in Early May

Governor Kathy Hochul’s Unplug and Play initiative has now delivered more than $350 million to communities across New York State, as projects open and move forward this spring and summer. This milestone marks a new phase for the initiative, with a growing number of projects coming online and expanding access to safe, modern recreational spaces for families and young people.

“Every family deserves access to safe, high-quality places where their children can play, learn and stay active,” Governor Hochul said. “Through our Unplug and Play initiative, we are delivering real investments to communities across New York State, opening pools, strengthening community centers and creating spaces that bring people together. These projects are making a difference in people’s lives, and we are just getting started.”

To date, Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play initiative has delivered significant statewide investments, including $200 million awarded through two rounds of NY SWIMS funding and $100 million supporting 30 community center projects through NY BRICKS, reaching communities in every region of New York.

Through NY SWIMS, projects are already making an impact across the state. In Albany and Newburgh, new and upgraded pools are open and serving families. In Troy and Millerton, projects are on track to open this summer. In Ogdensburg, Cortland, Montgomery and the Bronx, communities have secured funding and are moving forward with construction and planning.

Through NY BRICKS, communities including Hempstead, Elmira, Kingston and Haverstraw are moving forward with projects to build or renovate community centers, expanding access to year-round programming and services for families and residents.

Nonprofit organizations are benefiting from investments through both NY SWIMS and NY BRICKS. Partners including YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs and JCCs across the state have received funding to improve and expand facilities that serve as year-round anchors for their communities, providing safe spaces for youth, families, and seniors.

The Unplug and Play initiative includes three key programs:

• NY SWIMS, which has awarded funding for public pool projects that expand access to safe swimming, support water safety and help communities address growing needs tied to extreme heat
• NY BRICKS, which has awarded funding to support the renovation and construction of community centers across the state
• NY PLAYS, the newest phase of the initiative, which will support the construction and renovation of public playgrounds for all abilities, with applications opening May 4 and being accepted through June 15

The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, administers these programs and works with municipalities and nonprofit organizations to deliver projects that strengthen community infrastructure across the state. 

DEC ANNOUNCES MAY 1 OPENER FOR NEW YORK’S COOLWATER SPORTFISH

 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the season opener for walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, and pickerel will begin on May 1, 2026. 

“We are so fortunate to live in a state where there are fishing opportunities all around us,” Director of DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Jacqueline Lendrum said. “For anglers interested in taking their proficiency to the next level, fishing for walleye, pike, and pickerel can offer a fun challenge.” 

Walleye have a well-deserved reputation as one of New York’s most prized and tastiest gamefish. They are often considered one of the more challenging fish to catch but understanding when and where to find them and how they behave can go a long way towards putting fish in the boat. Walleye are found in more than 140 waters throughout the state, so anglers don’t have to go far to pursue this popular sportfish. 

Excellent walleye fishing is available from Fort Pond on the eastern end of Long Island, to Chautauqua Lake and Lake Erie in western New York. Other reliable fishing locations for walleye are available on DEC’s website. Fishing for walleye can be particularly good in May. As aggressive post-spawn feeders, walleye are often found in relatively shallow water near spawning locations this time of year. 

The typical gear used for walleye fishing includes spinning or baitcasting reels, medium weight rods, and monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Reliable baits can include artificial lures, live baits, or both. Jigs, crankbaits, stickbaits, and live bait harnesses can all be effective, with simple presentations often being the most effective. Walleye fishing opportunities in New York have never been better, so now is a great time to give it a try. 

Spring is also one of the best times to target northern pike. Northerns move into shallow tributaries, bays, and wetlands in early spring to spawn, typically just after ice-out. After spawning, they tend to stay near these shallow water areas and feed aggressively before returning to deeper waters for the summer. Pike fishing gear typically includes a medium heavy rod and a spinning or baitcasting reel with monofilament or braided line used with a steel or heavy fluorocarbon leader. Casting swimbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and spoons along and around structure works well in the spring. Anglers can find high quality pike fishing opportunities in a number of coolwater lakes in the Adirondacks, such as Great Sacandaga Lake, Tupper Lake, the Saranac Chain of Lakes, and Cranberry Lake. The St. Lawrence River, Seneca Lake, and Conesus Lake are also considered top pike fishing locations. For more information on fishing destinations for northern pike and other esocids, such as chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge, see DEC’s website for Northern pike, muskie, and pickerel fishing opportunities. Anglers are reminded that the fishing season for muskellunge opens on June 1. 

Anglers can use their smart phones to find fishing opportunities around the state by accessing the Tackle Box feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY app. The Tackle Box provides one-stop-shopping for information on access sites, stocking, regulations and more. Information on how to download the app can be found on DEC’s website. Anglers are encouraged to check out these valuable resources when planning their next fishing trip. 

Recreational fishing supports Governor Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative promoting physical and mental health by encouraging New York’s children and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. One of the ways teens and youth can find ideas to get offline is through DEC’s Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge, which offers 50 fun and interesting activities for youth to complete by the age of 19. 

To help make fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers, DEC has also partnered with libraries across the state on the Fishing Rod Lending Program. While borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This program offers an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information and a list of more than 80 participating libraries, visit DEC’s website. 

Safe Fish Consumption 

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.

Housing Lottery Launches for 1075 West Farms Road in Longwood, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1075 West Farms Road, a four-story residential building in Longwood, The Bronx. Designed by Node Engineering & Consulting and developed by Global Realty Developments, the structure yields 19 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are four units for residents at 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $75,840 to $116,640.

Residences are equipped with air conditioning, split-unit heating and cooling, intercoms, hardwood floors, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Amenities include backyard, bike storage lockers, pet-friendly policies, and an on-site resident manager. Tenants are responsible for electricity, including stove, heat, and hot water.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are three studios with a monthly rent of $2,000 for incomes ranging from $75,840 to $103,680, and one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,092 for incomes ranging from $81,326 to $116,640.

The Justice Department Takes Actions to Strengthen the Federal Death Penalty

 

President Trump’s Day-One Executive Order Directed the Department to Prioritize Seeking and Implementing Death Sentences to Protect Public Safety

The Department of Justice acted to restore its solemn duty to seek, obtain, and implement lawful capital sentences—clearing the way for the Department to carry out executions once death-sentenced inmates have exhausted their appeals. Among the actions taken are readopting the lethal injection protocol utilized during the first Trump Administration, expanding the protocol to include additional manners of execution such as the firing squad, and streamlining internal processes to expedite death penalty cases. These steps are critical to deterring the most barbaric crimes, delivering justice for victims, and providing long-overdue closure to surviving loved ones.

“The prior administration failed in its duty to protect the American people by refusing to pursue and carry out the ultimate punishment against the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists, child murderers, and cop killers,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.  “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Justice is once again enforcing the law and standing with victims.”

On his first day in office, President Trump directed the Department of Justice to prioritize seeking death sentences in appropriate cases, promptly carrying out those sentences, and strengthening the death penalty.  Since then, the Department has taken sustained action to implement that directive and reverse the Biden Justice Department’s efforts to erode the death penalty.

The Biden Justice Department, under Attorney General Merrick Garland, broke sharply from its longstanding approach to capital crimes and took extraordinary steps to weaken, delay, and dismantle the death penalty.  In doing so, it caused untold harm to the public.  Specifically, the Biden Justice Department:

• Imposed an indefinite moratorium on executions based on a deeply flawed analysis asserting that the existing federal practice of execution by lethal injection with pentobarbital could not be carried out without risking “unnecessary pain and suffering.”
• Declined to seek the death penalty in many horrific cases, even where career prosecutors and Biden’s own U.S. Attorneys recommended it, including cases involving child rapists and murderers; racially motivated mass shooters; and gangsters and drug dealers who murdered law enforcement officers, government witnesses, and informants.
• Abandoned capital prosecutions that prior Attorneys General had lawfully authorized and that federal prosecutors were actively litigating—against the wishes of victims’ families and career prosecutors.
• Urged President Biden to effectively empty federal death row by commuting the death sentences of 37 of 40 death-row inmates based on Attorney General Garland’s personal opposition to the death penalty without consulting all the victims’ families.

Under the leadership of President Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Justice Department is committed to correcting these failures and restoring the lawful administration of the death penalty.  The Department has rescinded the Biden-Garland moratorium on federal executions and has authorized seeking death sentences against 44 defendants.  Acting Attorney General Blanche has already authorized seeking death sentences against nine of these defendants, including three MS-13 members, two of whom are illegal aliens, accused of murdering a federal witness.

The Justice Department took the following steps to better achieve public safety and deliver justice to victims of the very worst crimes:

• Released the Restoring and Strengthening the Federal Death Penalty Report, which examines the actions of the Biden-Garland Justice Department and, after a thorough analysis, finds that the use of pentobarbital to carry out death sentences is consistent with the Eighth Amendment.
• Directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to reinstate the execution protocol adopted during the first Trump Administration, which relies on pentobarbital as the lethal agent.
• Directed BOP to expand the execution protocol to include additional manners of execution such as the firing squad.
• Directed BOP to examine relocating or expanding federal death row or constructing an additional execution facility to permit additional manners of execution.
• Directed the Office of Legislative Affairs to finalize and deliver a comprehensive legislative proposal to Congress that will improve public safety and better achieve justice for victims.

In the coming weeks, the Department plans to take the following additional steps:

• Consider a rule that will empower states to streamline federal habeas review of capital cases.  If adopted, the rule will reduce by years the period between conviction and execution in state capital cases.
• Publish a proposed rule prohibiting capital inmates from submitting clemency petitions, and the Office of the Pardon Attorney from considering such petitions, until court decisions in the inmate’s direct appeal and first collateral attack are final.
• Revise the Justice Manual to return the Department to its historic approach to capital crimes, streamline the process for seeking death sentences, and ensure appropriate consultation with victims’ families.

Read the report here.

U.S. Soldier Charged With Using Classified Information To Profit From Prediction Market Bets

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Kash Patel, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging GANNON KEN VAN DYKE, a U.S. Army Soldier, 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 charges arise from an alleged scheme in which VAN DYKE used sensitive classified information to make wagers on Polymarket, a prediction marketplace.  As alleged in the Indictment, VAN DYKE participated in the planning and execution of the U.S. military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, called “Operation Absolute Resolve,” and VAN DYKE used his access to classified information about that operation to personally profit.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett in the Southern District of New York.

“Prediction markets are not a haven for using misappropriated confidential or classified information for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “The defendant allegedly violated the trust placed in him by the United States Government by using classified information about a sensitive military operation to place bets on the timing and outcome of that very operation, all to turn a profit.  That is clear insider trading and is illegal under federal law.  Those entrusted to safeguard our nation’s secrets have a duty to protect them and our armed service members, and not to use that information for personal financial gain.  Our Office will continue to hold accountable those who misuse confidential or classified information in a way that undermines and exploits our national security.”

“Our men and women in uniform are trusted with classified information in order to accomplish their mission as safely and effectively as possible, and are prohibited from using this highly sensitive information for personal financial gain,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.  “Widespread access to prediction markets is a relatively new phenomenon, but federal laws protecting national security information fully apply.”

“This announcement makes clear no one is above the law, and this FBI will do whatever it takes to defend the homeland and safeguard our nation’s secrets,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.  “Any clearance holders thinking of cashing in their access and knowledge for personal gain will be held accountable.”

“Gannon Ken Van Dyke allegedly betrayed his fellow soldiers by utilizing classified information for his own financial gain,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr.  “Van Dyke profited more than $400,000 by trading various outcomes related to Venezuela after learning of the operation because of his role as a U.S. Army soldier.  The FBI will continue to investigate threats to our nation's security especially from those entrusted to safeguard sensitive classified information and military operations.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

VAN DYKE has been an active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Bragg, a military base located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  In connection with his work, VAN DYKE signed nondisclosure agreements in which he promised to “never divulge, publish, or reveal by writing, words, conduct, or otherwise . . . any classified or sensitive information” relating to military operations.  Starting around December 8, 2025, and continuing through at least January 6, 2026, VAN DYKE was involved in the planning and execution of Operation Absolute Resolve, a military operation to capture Maduro, and had access to sensitive, nonpublic, classified information about that operation.

In 2025, Polymarket, a prediction marketplace operated by Blockratize, Inc., began offering binary event contracts related to whether certain events involving Venezuela and/or Maduro would, or would not, occur.  Those event contracts included the future likelihood of “US forces in Venezuela by” certain dates, the future likelihood of Maduro being “out” of or removed from power by certain dates, the future likelihood of the U.S. invading Venezuela by on or before January 31, 2026, and the future likelihood of President Trump “invokeing War Powers against Venezuela” by a certain date.

As alleged, on or about December 26, 2025, VAN DYKE created a Polymarket account, funded it, and began trading on Maduro- and Venezuela-related markets.  In total, VAN DYKE made approximately 13 bets from December 27, 2025, through the evening of January 2, 2026.  Those bets all took the “YES” position on “U.S. Forces in Venezuela . . . by January 31, 2026”; “Maduro out by . . . January 31, 2026”; “Will the U.S. invade Venezuela by . . . January 31,”; or “Trump invokes War Powers against Venezuela by . . . January 31.”  VAN DYKE bet a total of approximately $33,034 on those outcomes while in possession of classified nonpublic information about Operation Absolute Resolve.

In the predawn hours of January 3, 2026, U.S. special forces apprehended Maduro and his wife at a residence in Caracas, Venezuela, and hours later the President of the United States announced the successful operation.  Following the President’s public announcement, Polymarket resolved several Maduro- and Venezuela-related contracts to “YES,” including the markets “Maduro out by . . . January 31, 2026,” and “US forces in Venezuela by . . . January 31, 2026.”  As a result, VAN DYKE won his wagers on those contracts.  In total, VAN DYKE allegedly profited approximately $409,881.

Following his successful trading relating to Maduro- and Venezuela-related contracts, VAN DYKE allegedly sent most of his proceeds to a foreign cryptocurrency vault before depositing them into a newly created online brokerage account.  The same day of the operation, VAN DYKE withdrew the majority of his allegedly unlawful proceeds from his Polymarket account.  Shortly after the announcement of Operation Absolute Resolve, reports of unusual trading in Maduro-related contracts on Polymarket appeared in the press and on social media.  VAN DYKE then took steps to conceal his identity as the trader in the Maduro- and Venezuela-related markets.  On or about January 6, 2026, for example, VAN DYKE asked Polymarket to delete his Polymarket account, falsely claiming that he had lost access to the email address to which the account had been associated.  That same day, VAN DYKE changed the email registered to his cryptocurrency exchange account to an email address that was not subscribed to in his name, and which he had created on or about December 14, 2025.

VAN DYKE, 38, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, is charged with three counts of violating the Commodity Exchange Act, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of an unlawful monetary transaction, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the United States Department of War, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.  Mr. Clayton also acknowledged Polymarket’s cooperation in this investigation.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

ON ARBOR DAY, DEC ANNOUNCES $46 MILLION NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH NEW ADVANCING FOREST MARKETS GRANT PROGRAM

 

Funding Supports Tree Supply Chain and Forest Products Economies and Helps Make Tree Seedlings More Affordable

Projects Will Help Advance New York State’s 25 Million Trees Initiative 

Applications Must Be Submitted by August 5

In celebration of Arbor Day, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the official launch of a new grant program to expand forest product markets and businesses and increase the affordability and availability of tree seedlings for planting. 

“New York State’s forests are a cornerstone of our environment and economy,” said Commissioner Lefton. “This grant program will provide meaningful support to expand forest product markets and long-term reforestation and conservation efforts. As part of our broader commitment to climate resilience and sustainable land use, this investment in the forest products sector aims to ensure our forests remain healthy, productive, and accessible for generations.”

DEC’s Advancing Forest Markets (AFM) grant program is designed to help remove key barriers to large-scale tree planting efforts by increasing access to high-quality, locally grown seedlings for reforestation, afforestation, and climate resilience projects. It also seeks to strengthen New York State’s forest economy by expanding access to critical resources for producers of forest commodities like wood and maple syrup and other forestry businesses through projects that encourage innovation and expansion in product development, capacity, and market access. 

Eligible applicants must establish a Farm Record with the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency to obtain a Farm ID and either:

• specialize in collecting, processing, germinating, storing, propagating, and/or growing native trees or those that support this supply chain through associated market, workforce, and network development or
• own at least one acre of land that is forested or has the potential to become forested and allows for timber harvesting.

There are three unique funding categories through this grant program:

• 25 Million Trees Nursery Discount Program: Nurseries may apply for funding to offset costs to offer trees for sale to the public at a reduced cost;
• Growing Reforestation Opportunities: Nursery growers, seed collection networks, and other entities may apply for funding to scale up their production capacity and support tree supply chain markets; and
• Tree Market Boost and Revitalization Program: Forestry and forest product businesses and other entities may apply for funding to expand their capacity and support forest-based markets related to reforestation, forest management, low-grade wood products, timber, and other forest products.

Grant awards range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $12 million with no match required.  Grant awards will include an incentive payment for program participation (between $2,000 and $10,000, dependent on project size). These incentive payments will be distributed after a contract becomes fully executed with DEC at the beginning of the project. All work funded through these grants must be completed before January 2028.

Applications will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Those interested must register in SFS before applying. Not-for-profits must also prequalify before the application deadline. For more details about the grant opportunity, including eligibility information, examples of fundable projects, and application and scoring criteria, visit DEC’s website. 

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York State’s working forests are a critical piece of our agricultural and rural economies, providing commodities like wood, fiber, and maple products. I commend the Governor and our partners at DEC for advancing an initiative that will further the state’s working land conservation goals, supporting our unique forest products while promoting sustainable forest stewardship and protecting this treasured resource for generations to come.” 

The 25 Million Trees Initiative was launched by Governor Hochul in recognition of how crucial New York’s forests are to mitigating climate change, combating extreme heat, and making communities more resilient. 

Whether you plant one tree or many, every New Yorker can contribute to the statewide total by recording the trees they plant in DEC’s Tree Tracker. To learn more about how to contribute to the 25 Million Trees Initiative, visit DEC’s webpage at on.ny.gov/25milliontrees.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under agreement number NR233A750004G035.