A 92-year-old judge will preside over the trial of captured former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro on drug and corruption charges in New York.

After being apprehended by U.S. authorities on January 3, 2026, former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will face a criminal trial in New York, which will be presided over by 92-year-old federal judge Alvin Hellerstein. Maduro is being held at a Manhattan DEA office and is accused of corruption and drug trafficking. The Southern District of New York case has garnered international attention and highlights U.S. efforts to hold foreign leaders accountable. One of the federal judges with the longest tenure, Judge Hellerstein has handled high-profile cases and is renowned for his methodical approach. The verdict of the trial may have an effect on diplomatic ties and international justice standards.