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Find out who’s who in Nicolás Maduro’s trial

Venezuela’s ousted president faces charges related to drug trafficking and other crimes; case is tried in the USA

The prosecutors, lawyers and the judge involved in the trial held in the United States of the deposed president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro (PSUV, left), have experience in cases of great media repercussion.

On Monday (January 5, 2026), Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared at the District Court of the Southern District of New York, where they innocent of charges related to narco-terrorism, international drug trafficking and the use of heavy weapons. The legal action comes after US troops captured and detained the Venezuelan, on Saturday (Jan 3).

The hearing was of a protocol nature, intended mainly for the reading of the accusations and the formalization of the judicial process. At this initial stage, the merit of the allegations is not discussed, only legal procedures are established and next dates for the case are defined. The next session is scheduled for March 17th.

With the declaration of innocence of both, the process enters the pre-procedural phase, which includes the formal exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense and the analysis of preliminary requests. Until their next hearing, the couple will remain in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Read more about the accusations in this do Poder360.

Meet those involved in the trial

Judge

The federal judge Alvin K. Hellerstein92 years old, is responsible for handling the case. He was appointed to the position in 1998 by former US President Bill Clinton and served as a district judge until 2011, when he assumed senior status at the New York Federal Court.

Hellerstein has previously been responsible for presiding over high-profile complex cases associated with terrorism and national security, such as compensation actions related to 9/11. In addition, he led the sexual harassment lawsuit against film producer Harvey Weinstein and the trial of Michael Cohen, the president’s former lawyer (Republican Party).

In the same federal court, Hellerstein presides over the case against Hugo Armando “el Pollo” Carvajal, former head of Venezuelan military intelligence. Carvajal is accused of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism and his case is directly linked to investigations involving the Maduro regime.

Here are the main cases in which the judge was at the forefront:

  • Disputes arising from the attacks of September 11, 2001 – Hellerstein presided over the consolidation of civil lawsuits related to the attacks, involving airlines, World Trade Center operators and insurance companies;
  • Case of the Barack Obama “Hope” poster – Alvin served as judge in the federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York involving a copyright dispute between the Associated Press and artist Shepard Fairey;
  • Harvey Weinstein trial – Hellerstein acted in part of the case of the producer accused of sexual abuse;
  • Michael Cohen’s release from prison – Alvin granted an injunction favoring Donald Trump’s former lawyer for home transfer;
  • David Hu fraud case – sentenced Hu to 12 years in prison for a Ponzi scheme involving more than $100 million from clients;
  • Aliens Enemies Act and rights of Venezuelan immigrants – Alvin rejected the automatic application of this law for deportations, guaranteeing due process;
  • Charlie Javice case – Hellerstein presided over the trial of the startup founder accused of $175 million fraud, resulting in 7 years in prison;
  • Proceedings against Hugo Carvajal – Alvin leads criminal cases involving the former Venezuelan general on narcoterrorism charges.

Defense

Maduro’s defense is the responsibility of the American lawyer Barry Pollackspecialist in complex cases involving national security and disputes with high political content, such as , founder of WikiLeaks, whom he also represented.

Assange was accused of illegally disseminating US national security material. He pleaded guilty but, having served time in prison in the UK, walked out of court a free man.

Pollack’s hiring to represent Maduro was confirmed during the first custody hearing, a mandatory rite for defendants to be officially informed about the charges they face. The lawyer works for the law firm.

According to North American media outlets, Pollack informed the judge that his client does not intend to request release on bail at this time, but the possibility could be reevaluated and considered in the future, as the process progresses.

Cilia Flores is being represented by Mark Donnellya Houston (TX) attorney and former senior counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice. Flores’ defense reported that she suffered injuries during the capture operation, including visible bruises, and formally requested that she undergo proper medical evaluation while she remains in federal custody.

The defense team highlighted the following points during the opening session:

  • Health status: Maduro would have “health problems” unspecified that require attention;
  • Physical integrity: The defense claimed that Cilia Flores, Maduro’s wife, suffered injuries during capture by US troops;
  • Political status: Maduro has identified himself as the “president of the Republic of Venezuela” and classified Saturday’s (January 3) military operation as a “seizure”.

Indictment

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, led by Jay Claytonleads the prosecution. He was described by the broadcaster as “the region’s top federal prosecutor”.

During President Trump’s first term, Clayton served as president of the . He was appointed in November 2025 by the head of the Department of Justice, to lead an investigation involving the financier, accused of sex trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse of minors, and Democratic politicians.

Make up the prosecution group Amanda Houlehead of the department’s criminal division, and Kyle A. Wirshbaassistant federal prosecutor. Both have experience in cases related to international drug trafficking.

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