In a federal court hearing, former New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal testified about his interactions with US Senator Bob Menendez during a 2019 meeting in Newark. Grewal recounted how Menendez expressed concerns over the treatment of Hispanic defendants, specifically referencing a case involving insurance fraud.
Grewal described feeling uncomfortable during the meeting, as Menendez raised the issue of Hispanic truckers prosecuted by the attorney general's office. Despite Menendez not explicitly naming the case or defendants, Grewal sensed a potential attempt to influence the handling of the case.
During the brief 15-minute meeting, Grewal maintained his stance that any issues should be raised by the defense lawyer and not directly to him. He refrained from discussing the specifics with Menendez, aiming to insulate his team from external pressures.
Menendez's defense team questioned Grewal about any perceived threats or intimidation, to which Grewal consistently responded in the negative. He expressed concerns about maintaining independence from political influences, given Menendez's close ties to the governor.
The ongoing trial seeks to prove allegations of a bribery scheme involving Menendez, two co-defendants, and the senator's wife, Nadine. Prosecutors claim that the scheme involved financial benefits in exchange for Menendez leveraging his political position for personal gain.
Menendez's defense maintains his innocence, attributing any questionable dealings to Nadine Menendez. Nadine's trial has been postponed due to her recent disclosure of breast cancer.
Earlier testimony in the trial included communications among the alleged conspirators, with text messages referencing the case involving Hispanic truckers. The trial continues as prosecutors aim to establish Menendez's involvement in the alleged bribery scheme.
