Nicolas Maduro and his wife are charged with conspiring to torture Americans

Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife now face federal charges accusing them of torturing Americans.

The Justice Department announced Thursday that Maduro and former first lady Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro are charged with conspiracy to commit torture along with narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine and weapons offenses.

What prosecutors allege

FBI Director Kash Patel says Americans held in Venezuelan custody under Maduro's government were subjected to drugs, electric shocks and sexual assault among other abuses.

Jamie McDonald, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, says the Maduros and others in power turned the army, the police and other arms of the state into tools for getting rich off the drug trade. The indictment also claims they crushed dissent by ordering or allowing violence, threats and physical torture. McDonald called the case the epitome of corruption and said the conduct caused generational harm to Venezuelans.

From power to a Brooklyn cell

Maduro held power from April 2013 until American forces ousted and captured him earlier this year, a run of almost 13 years. He is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

In August a photo surfaced of Maduro behind bars flashing peace signs, which he described as a gift of love and hope for his family and supporters.

His attorney has not commented on the new charges. The allegations have not been proven in court.