The corruption trial of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez began with jury selection on Monday, focusing on accusations that he leveraged his political power for personal gain. Menendez stands accused of receiving lavish gifts, including cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible, in exchange for political favors.
As the trial commenced, no jurors had been selected, with many potential jurors expressing reservations about their suitability for the case. Approximately three dozen were dismissed after private interviews with the judge. Over 100 potential jurors were asked to return for further questioning on Tuesday at the federal courthouse in New York City.
The allegations against Menendez date back to 2018, coinciding with his relationship with his now-wife, Nadine Menendez, who is also implicated in the corruption probe. Prosecutors claim Menendez provided political favors to businessmen in New Jersey and assisted the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Recent court filings suggest Menendez’s defense may include implicating his wife and arguing that his accumulation of cash was a coping mechanism after experiencing significant trauma.
Throughout the proceedings, Menendez sat alongside his legal team, occasionally fidgeting and tapping his fingers on the table. All three defendants, including Menendez, have pleaded not guilty, and Menendez is potentially considering testifying in his defense. According to U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein, the trial is expected to last six to seven weeks and conclude in late June or early July.
This is not Menendez’s first corruption trial; he faced similar charges in 2017, which resulted in a hung jury. The current trial involves charges including conspiracy to commit bribery, honest services fraud, and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. The indictment alleges Menendez used his influence to benefit Egyptian officials and interfere in various investigations.
Menendez’s wife, Nadine Menendez, who faces separate charges due to a medical condition, is accused of being part of the conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that the couple received gifts and financial assistance from businessmen in exchange for political favors. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Menendez remains in the public eye as the trial unfolds.