Prosecutor Left Maduro Case Ahead of Trial
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Richman departed the Southern District of New York office.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Richman has left the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. His departure comes nine months before the scheduled trial of Nicolás Maduro.
Why it matters
The change in legal personnel occurs as the high-profile federal case against Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores continues to move toward a trial date. The Southern District of New York office remains in charge of the prosecution.
Richman requested the termination of his appearance in United States v. Maduro Moros through a one-page filing docketed as document 334. The trial remains scheduled for June 1, 2027.
The players
Jason A. Richman
He is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who recently departed the Southern District of New York.
Nicolás Maduro
He is the defendant currently facing federal charges in a New York court.
Cilia Flores
She is a co-defendant in the federal criminal case scheduled for trial in 2027.
The details
Richman officially exited the U.S. Attorney's Office on September 25, 2026. This move follows a September 2, 2026, motion by defense attorneys to dismiss the indictment, with a hearing on that motion scheduled for November 17, 2026.
Timeline
March 2020: Original charges were announced against Nicolás Maduro.
January 3, 2026: U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
September 2, 2026: Defense attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the indictment.
September 25, 2026: Jason A. Richman left the U.S. Attorney's Office.
June 1, 2027: The trial is scheduled to begin.
Legal Context
This development follows the precedent set by the United States v. Maduro Moros federal criminal case, which has involved international seizures and complex motions to dismiss. The departure of a lead prosecutor marks a procedural shift within this high-profile litigation.
The public can expect continued legal activity as the court prepares for the trial of the defendants. Security and administrative proceedings in Manhattan will remain a focus for the court as the June 2027 trial date approaches.
The takeaway
Staffing changes are a standard part of lengthy federal litigation, though they draw additional attention in cases involving international figures. The prosecution's case remains active as the court continues to address pending motions before the 2027 trial.
What happens next
A hearing on the request for house arrest for Cilia Flores is scheduled for October 8, 2026, followed by a hearing regarding the defense motion to dismiss on November 17, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing federal prosecutions, visit the Financial Crime section.
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