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Federal judge Alvin Hellerstein, who oversaw Maduro case, dies at 92
ABC7 New York • • nation
Key Points:
- Alvin K. Hellerstein, a Manhattan federal judge known for handling high-profile cases involving President Donald Trump, Nicolás Maduro, and the 9/11 attacks, has died at age 92.
- Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1998, Hellerstein served on the federal bench for nearly three decades, taking senior status in 2011, and was noted for his empathy toward 9/11 victims and their families.
- He presided over key rulings in Trump's legal battles, including rejecting efforts to dismiss Trump's hush money case on presidential immunity grounds multiple times, most recently in August 2024.
- Hellerstein was recognized for his courtroom discipline and independent streak, including enforcing mask mandates during the pandemic and ruling against government retaliation in Michael Cohen’s case.
- His judicial legacy also includes a notable 2015 ruling ordering a cable company to pay damages for robocalls, reflecting his impact beyond politically charged cases.
