Tocorón Watch
Judge spells out prosecutors' disclosure duties to Maduro and Cilia Flores in writing
On January 5, 2026, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein issued an order, under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(f) and the Due Process Protections Act, confirming the government's obligation to disclose to the defense all information favorable to the accused that bears on guilt or punishment (known as "Brady" material), and all information that could be used to impeach a government witness (known as "Giglio" material). The order applies to both Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores.
- Court
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan) · case 1:11-cr-00205
- Judge
- Alvin K. Hellerstein · who he is
- Prosecution
- U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York (U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton)
- Defense
- Barry Pollack (Maduro) · Mark Donnelly (Cilia Flores)
- Next date
- September 30, 2026 · Defense reply on house arrest due
- Where it stands
- Maduro and Cilia Flores held at MDC Brooklyn since January 2026; both pleaded not guilty. Trial set for June 1, 2027. Hugo Carvajal pleaded guilty (June 2025) and awaits sentencing. Diosdado Cabello is charged but not in custody.
What it means
This is a standard, routine early order in federal criminal cases, but it puts in writing the consequences if prosecutors fail to comply: from sanctions to, in extreme cases, dismissal of charges. It reflects no new accusation and no ruling on the merits of the case.
What happens next
The docket does not tie a specific date to this order; the disclosure obligation continues throughout the case.
In the document's own words
“The Government must disclose to the defense all information "favorable to an accused" that is "material either to guilt or to punishment" and that is known to the Government.”
“the Court, in addition to ordering production of the information, may: (1) specify the terms and conditions of such production; (2) grant a continuance; (3) impose evidentiary sanctions”
How the court describes it (original, English)
Our plain-language summary of a public court record, written with AI help and checked against the document. It is not a finding of guilt or legal advice. See a mistake? Tell us
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