Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who presided over the case of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the US, has passed away at the age of 92.
As reported by ABC News, Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, Laura Taylor Swain, announced that Hellerstein died of natural causes.
Highlighting the duties Hellerstein undertook in the court for many years, Swain stated, "His energetic and dedicated service to this court continued until his passing. He is held in high regard and will be greatly missed."
Maduro's lawyer also issued a statement following Hellerstein's death, saying, "We are deeply saddened to learn of Judge Hellerstein's passing and extend our condolences to his family."
Appointed to the position in 1998 by then-US President Bill Clinton, Hellerstein presided over numerous federal cases throughout his career. Among the files Hellerstein handled were cases linked to the September 11, 2001, attacks.
News Source: 12punto
