Tue Jan 06 01:32:50 UTC 2026: Judge Hellerstein, Overseeing Maduro Case, Has History of High-Profile Trials

Alvin Hellerstein, the 92-year-old US judge, is presiding over the case against deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges in his Manhattan courtroom on Monday. Maduro’s indictment in 2020 is part of a sprawling drug trafficking case that has been before Hellerstein for nearly 15 years.

Appointed in 1998 by former president Bill Clinton, Hellerstein has a distinguished career, including presiding over civil cases related to the September 11, 2001 attacks. He has also clashed with Donald Trump on legal matters and recently sentenced tech entrepreneur Charlie Javice to over seven years for fraud, and Bill Hwang, founder of Archegos Capital Management, to 18 years in prison for fraud.

Hellerstein’s past rulings include ordering the release of detainee abuse photos from Iraq and Afghanistan in 2015 and a $20.75 million award against BNP Paribas for its work in Sudan last year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty in Alvin Hellerstein’s courtroom to narco-terrorism charges.
  • Hellerstein was appointed as a judge in 1998 by Bill Clinton.
  • He has presided over cases related to the 9/11 attacks.
  • He sentenced Charlie Javice to over seven years and Bill Hwang to 18 years for fraud.
  • In 2015, Hellerstein ordered the release of detainee abuse photos from Iraq and Afghanistan.

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