A prosecutor in Sen. Bob Menendez's corruption trial accused him of engaging in 'wildly abnormal' behavior in response to bribes. The Democrat is facing charges of accepting bribes, including gold and cash, from three New Jersey businessmen between 2018 and 2022. The trial, now in its ninth week, has seen Menendez plead not guilty to the allegations.
Menendez, along with two businessmen, is on trial for his involvement in various business ventures. The prosecutor highlighted an incident where Menendez allegedly tried to influence a former New Jersey Attorney General to drop a criminal case by falsely claiming discrimination against Hispanic truckers. The prosecutor described Menendez's actions as 'wildly abnormal,' noting his careful approach to avoid direct requests to shut down investigations.
The prosecutor revealed that Menendez's actions were allegedly in exchange for a new Mercedes-Benz promised to his then-girlfriend, now wife. Menendez's wife, who is also charged in the case, has had her trial postponed due to health reasons. Despite calls for his resignation and relinquishing his position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez has filed to run for reelection this year as an independent.
