A federal judge ruled that U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife will face separate trials on allegations of participating in a bribery scheme. The decision to sever and delay Nadine Menendez’s trial was made due to her need for medical treatment for a serious condition. The New Jersey Democrat’s trial is set for May 6 in Manhattan federal court, while Nadine Menendez's trial has been tentatively postponed to July.
Judge Sidney H. Stein stated that the trial will proceed without Mrs. Menendez, requiring the government to conduct the case twice. Nadine Menendez’s lawyers cited her recent medical diagnosis, necessitating surgery in the coming weeks, as the reason for the delay. They emphasized the need for additional testing to understand the condition better.
Senator Menendez's lawyer, Adam Fee, urged the judge not to delay his client's trial, expressing concerns that the allegations were impacting Menendez's ability to participate in the upcoming election. Prosecutors argued against separating the trials, suggesting that it would lead to inefficiencies and unfairness, requiring the recall of numerous witnesses.
Despite motions to dismiss the indictment and transfer the case to New Jersey being denied, the trial is proceeding. The Menendezes and two businessmen have pleaded not guilty to charges of engaging in a bribery scheme involving cash and gold bars exchanged for political favors. Bob Menendez resigned from his role as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in September due to the allegations.
A third businessman, Jose Uribe, has pleaded guilty to bribery charges and agreed to testify against the others. Uribe alleged that he conspired with Nadine Menendez and others to provide her with a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for access to her husband's influence. Prosecutors claim that Menendez facilitated business deals for the businessmen in return for the bribes received.
