Alvin Hellerstein

Judge Alvin Hellerstein is a 92-year-old judge presiding over the case of Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, and his wife Cilia Flores, in the Southern District of New York. Maduro and Flores were apprehended by US forces in Caracas in January 2026 and face charges related to drug trafficking and weapons. Hellerstein's involvement is newsworthy as he is overseeing the legal proceedings against a former head of state. Recent developments include Hellerstein preventing Maduro's defense from sharing evidence with unarrested co-defendants, questioning the US prosecution's case, and considering the legality of using Venezuelan funds for Maduro's defense. He has declined to dismiss the case, despite arguments that Maduro is no longer a threat to the US. Hellerstein acknowledged the uniqueness of the case, highlighting its significance beyond typical legal proceedings.