On Wednesday, Cilia Flores' legal team submitted a formal application for house arrest to Federal Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein in New York. They argued that her health has significantly worsened since being incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where she has been held since January 3.
According to CNN, attorneys Mark E. Donnelly and Andrés Sánchez based their request on three main points: a pre-existing heart condition that has deteriorated in prison, an overall documented physical decline, and claims of international immunity.
Health Concerns Take Center Stage
Before her arrest, Flores had been dealing with a mitral valve prolapse and received monthly injections, which have been disrupted by her imprisonment. The prison's medical staff instead prescribed her baby aspirin, a statin, diltiazem, and nitroglycerin to manage her chest pain episodes.
A particularly alarming incident occurred on July 29, when Flores experienced severe chest pressure for thirty minutes. External medical consultants suggested it might have been a mild heart attack, although there is no official medical confirmation.
The attorneys emphasized the need for an additional echocardiogram to evaluate her cardiac function compared to previous exams. Without it, they argued, the extent of any potential coronary damage remains uncertain.
Medical advisors have also recommended a cardiac catheterization, which could lead to more invasive procedures. The defense argues that a federal prison lacks the necessary conditions for recovery from such interventions.
Comprehensive Physical Decline
Beyond her heart issues, the legal filing outlines a broader health deterioration: Flores has lost over 24 pounds since January, lost two molars, suffers from persistent reflux and gastritis, occasional tachycardia, breathing difficulties, and dizziness. She reportedly sleeps only three to four hours a night, sharing her space with more than forty other inmates.
Her attorneys also disclosed that during her initial three months in custody, Flores was kept in solitary confinement, during which she could only communicate effectively with her legal team.
Proposed Alternatives and Immunity Argument
The legal team suggested moving Flores to a private residence within the Manhattan judicial district under 24-hour armed surveillance, GPS monitoring, restricted visitation, monitored phone calls, and unannounced inspections. Flores also offered to cover the relocation expenses and to surrender her passport.
The document also includes arguments of international immunity, aligning with the defense strategy for Maduro, who recently requested Judge Hellerstein to dismiss the charges completely by claiming sovereign immunity.
The U.S. government opposes the house arrest request. The Manhattan federal prosecutor's office has yet to file a formal written response, and the judge has not yet ruled on the motion.
Simultaneously, Judge Hellerstein ordered Flores' medical records, filed in support of the request, to remain sealed, noting that "courts in this circuit routinely allow the filing of medical records under seal."
Flores, 69, and Maduro, 63, face charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, corruption, and conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, all of which they have denied. A hearing to discuss the dismissal motions is set for November 17, with the trial scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027.
Key Aspects of Cilia Flores' Legal Battle
What health issues is Cilia Flores facing in prison?
Flores has a pre-existing heart condition that has worsened, along with weight loss, dental issues, reflux, gastritis, occasional tachycardia, and sleep deprivation.
What are the proposed conditions for Cilia Flores' house arrest?
The defense suggests house arrest in a private residence with 24-hour armed surveillance, GPS tracking, restricted visits, monitored calls, and surprise inspections.
Why is the U.S. government opposing Cilia Flores' request for house arrest?
The U.S. government has not publicly detailed its reasons, but generally opposes such requests due to the severity of the charges and potential flight risk.