Federal Judge: Alvin Hellerstein Dies Before Maduro Trial
The 92-year-old jurist, who managed over 10,000 September 11 claims, was set to preside over the June 2027 trial of the former Venezuelan president.
By Chioma Rogers ·
Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein died on Wednesday morning at the age of 92. His death leaves the prosecution of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro without a presiding officer ahead of a trial scheduled for June 1, 2027. The Southern District of New York confirmed the death of natural causes shortly before his 93rd birthday on December 28.
Chief Judge Laura Taylor Swain confirmed the passing and noted that Hellerstein served on the federal bench from 1998 until his death. She stated in a court statement that his dedicated service continued until the end and that he will be sorely missed. The court spokesperson, Ed Friedland, said the drug trafficking case involving Maduro will be randomly assigned to another federal judge in accordance with standard procedures.
Hellerstein’s nearly 30-year tenure included managing complex litigation arising from the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. He oversaw more than 10,000 claims filed by first responders who alleged that toxic dust and contaminants at Ground Zero caused illnesses. Plaintiffs in those cases argued that New York City, the Port Authority, and various contractors failed to provide safe working conditions or adequate warnings about exposure risks.
The judge also handled high-profile civil disputes in New York City. In 2009, he presided over a copyright battle between the Associated Press and artist Shepard Fairey regarding the famous President Barack Obama “Hope” poster. In 2020, Hellerstein rejected an $18.9 million settlement intended to resolve sexual misconduct claims against film producer Harvey Weinstein. That same year, he ordered former Trump attorney Michael Cohen released from federal prison to home confinement, finding that authorities had retaliated against him for planning to publish a critical book.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. forces in a swift overnight mission in early January 2026. Both had been indicted during President Donald Trump’s first administration. The Department of Justice had previously offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture. The former president faces charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses.
The indictment alleges that Maduro partnered with groups such as Tren de Aragua to use cocaine as a weapon against the United States. Specific weapon offenses include the possession and use of machine guns and destructive devices related to drug trafficking. Maduro and Flores have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Source: One America News Network
