New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez’s trial on charges that he pocketed bribes – including cash and $150,000 in gold bars – will begin May 6, a federal judge ruled Monday.
Judge Sidney Stein, during a hearing in Manhattan federal court, urged prosecutors to launch the high-profile corruption case, which accuses Menendez and his wife of trading favors to help three New Jersey businessmen and to the government of Egypt.
Prosecutor Paul Monteleoni said the pre-trial “discovery” process was delayed because some of it involved classified information, and he said the evidence – described as “quite voluminous” – could take several more weeks to process.
Stein said the defense will have to present all of its evidence by Dec. 4.
“I will certainly try to respect the dates,” the judge said.
Menendez, 69, was not in court after his lawyer argued that he had to be in Washington, D.C., to perform his senatorial duties.
His wife, Nadine Menendez, 56, was present at the hearing, carrying the same Gucci bag she brought to court last week when she was arraigned.
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez’s trial on bribery charges will begin May 6, a federal judge ruled Monday. REUTERS Menendez’s (D-N.J.) wife, Nadine Menendez, arrives at Manhattan Federal Court on May 2 October 2023.Getty ImagesThe senator was released on $100,000 bail, while his wife was released on $250,000 bail.John Nacion/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
The couple is accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including at least 13 bars and a Mercedes-Benz convertible, according to a federal indictment.
Both pleaded not guilty at their first court appearance in the case on September 27.
The senator was released on $100,000 bail, while his wife was released on $250,000 bail secured by the couple’s home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn