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Jury selection begins for corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez with potential implications on Senate control

Published: 13 May 2024 at 08:06

Politics

Jury selection is commencing for the corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and two New Jersey businessmen in a bribery conspiracy case in Manhattan federal court. The trial may impact Menendez's reelection prospects and influence the Senate's party control. Menendez and his wife, as well as the businessmen, have pleaded not guilty to the charges that involve accepting bribes for political influence related to New Jersey and assisting Egypt's and Qatar's governments. The alleged crimes occurred between 2018 and 2023, and a fifth defendant has already pleaded guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors.

DEEP DIVE


Delay Granted in Menendez Bribery Trial, Wife's Trial Delayed Due to Medical Condition


A federal judge agreed to delay the start of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial by a week to aid in trial preparation. Menendez's wife, also facing charges, will have her trial delayed due to medical issues. The senator and two businessmen have pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, involving cash, gold bars, and a luxury car. A third businessman has pleaded guilty to bribery charges and will testify against the others. Menendez may claim lack of criminal intent due to his wife's alleged withholding of illegal information.

Sen. Bob Menendez and Wife to Face Bribery Charges in Separate Trials Due to Medical Condition


U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine Menendez will face bribery charges in separate trials, as Nadine's trial is postponed due to a serious medical condition requiring surgery. The trial for Bob Menendez is set to begin on May 6, while Nadine Menendez's trial is tentatively scheduled for July 8. Both have been charged in a bribery scheme involving cash, gold bars, and other gifts in exchange for political favors, with prosecutors alleging misuse of his Senate powers. The couple, along with two businessmen, have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Sen. Bob Menendez's Bribery Trial Involves Trauma Defense and Psychiatrist Testimony


Senator Bob Menendez is facing bribery charges and is set to go on trial for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for political favors. His defense team plans to call in psychiatrist Dr. Karen Rosenbaum to testify about Menendez's habit of stashing cash at home, attributing it to past trauma including family experiences in Cuba and his father's suicide over gambling debts. Prosecutors argue that this testimony is unnecessary and could confuse the jury, stating that Menendez himself could make the argument. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 13, with Menendez's wife also facing separate charges.

Senator Bob Menendez may blame his wife in bribery trial


Senator Bob Menendez may seek exoneration in his bribery trial by claiming his wife withheld information about potentially illegal dealings with New Jersey businessmen, as revealed in court documents unsealed in April 2024. Menendez's defense strategy may involve demonstrating his lack of knowledge of any crimes and potentially shifting responsibility to his wife and others involved. His wife, Nadine Menendez, faces a separate trial delayed due to medical reasons. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in a bribery scheme involving cash, gold bars, and favors for political influence.

US Senator Bob Menendez faces second corruption trial in a decade over bribery allegations involving wealthy businessmen and favors for Egypt and Qatar; defended actions as within rules, but potential political damage looms as FBI found gold bars and cash in his home


US Senator Bob Menendez is facing a second corruption trial in a decade, accused of accepting bribes from wealthy businessmen and carrying out favors for Egypt and Qatar. Despite defending his actions as within legal bounds, the discovery of gold bars and cash in his home by the FBI has raised concerns about his political future and reputation.

Wife of Sen. Bob Menendez Seeks Delay in Corruption Trial Due to Health Concerns


Nadine Menendez, wife of Sen. Bob Menendez, requests a delay in her upcoming trial on corruption charges due to a serious medical condition requiring surgery in four to six weeks. Both face bribery allegations involving cash, gold bars, and favors. The trial was set for May 6, with Nadine's lawyers citing her inability to assist in trial preparation. Sen. Menendez's potential reelection plans as an Independent may be impacted by the trial delay. Prosecutors accuse the couple of accepting bribes to influence legal matters and acting as a foreign agent.

Attorneys Clash Over Senator Bob Menendez's Mental Health Information In Bribery Trial


Indicted Senator Bob Menendez's attorneys accuse prosecutors of revealing sensitive mental health details, including his fear of scarcity and hoarding cash due to family history of trauma. Menendez, facing federal corruption charges, allegedly accepted bribes from businessmen and the countries of Egypt and Qatar. The defense plans to blame his actions on his father's traumatic death and Cuban refugee background. Prosecutors question the validity of expert testimony on Menendez's trauma, while his wife claims the gold bars found in their home were family heirlooms. The trial is set to begin on May 13.

Bob Menendez (Wikipedia)


Robert Menendez (; born January 1, 1954) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the senior United States senator from New Jersey, a seat he has held since 2006. A member of the Democratic Party, he was first appointed to the U.S. Senate by Governor Jon Corzine, and chaired the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations from 2013 to 2015, and again from 2021 to 2023.In 1974, at the age of 20, Menendez was elected to the Union City School District's Board of Education. He received degrees from Saint Peter's University and Rutgers Law School. In 1986, he was elected mayor of Union City. In 1988, while continuing to serve as mayor, he was elected to represent the state's 33rd district in the New Jersey General Assembly and, within three years, moved to the New Jersey Senate, upon winning the March 1991 special election for the 33rd Senate district. The next year, Menendez won a seat in the House of Representatives and represented New Jersey's 13th congressional district for six two-year terms, from 1993 to 2006. In January 2006, he was appointed to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Jon Corzine (who had been elected governor of New Jersey) and was elected to a full six-year term in November; he was reelected in 2012 and 2018.In 2015, Menendez was indicted on federal corruption charges; the jury was unable to reach a verdict, and the charges were dropped in 2018. In April 2018, the United States Senate Select Committee on Ethics "severely admonished" Menendez for accepting gifts from donor Salomon Melgen without obtaining committee approval, for failing to disclose certain gifts, and for using his position as a senator to advance Melgen's interests.In September 2023, Menendez was again indicted on federal corruption charges that he aided and provided sensitive information to the government of Egypt. He stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but refused to resign from the Senate and repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, despite calls to resign from numerous state and congressional Democrats, including 30 of his Senate colleagues. In an October 2023 indictment, Menendez was formally charged with conspiracy to act as a foreign agent of the Egyptian government; a superseding indictment in January 2024 also accused Menendez of working for Qatar.

Hundreds gather for Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan


Hundreds of people, including supporters and critics of Donald Trump, travel miles and wait hours to witness the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president in Manhattan. Trump has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment to a porn star. Stormy Daniels' testimony during the trial revealed salacious details, prompting strong reactions in and outside the courtroom. Trump supporters filled a beach rally in New Jersey ahead of potentially damaging testimony from his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who is expected to give evidence against him in the trial.

Former President Trump's Trial Continues with Cross-Examination of Stormy Daniels


Former President Trump's criminal trial in New York includes the cross-examination of Stormy Daniels, a key witness for the prosecution, following the denial of a mistrial. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments before the 2016 election. The charges allege efforts to silence Daniels about an extramarital affair. Manhattan District Attorney aims to prove Trump's involvement in a conspiracy to influence the election.

Manhattan Prosecutors Seek Direct Evidence of Trump's Guilt from Michael Cohen in Criminal Trial


In the New York state criminal trial of former U.S. president Donald Trump, Manhattan prosecutors are seeking direct evidence of Trump's guilt, specifically related to charges of falsifying business records. Michael Cohen, set to testify, is expected to provide insight into the alleged hush money scheme and reimbursement cover-up orchestrated at Trump's direction. Despite Cohen's questionable character, his unique position allows for firsthand accounts of these events, potentially bolstering the prosecution's case. The trial is significant as it marks the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president.

New Jersey Sen Bob Menendez's Wife Expresses Fear of Going to Jail Due to Financial Constraints


New Jersey Sen Bob Menendez's wife, Nadine Arslanian, is concerned about going to jail as she lacks funds for a legal defense team. Arslanian faces up to 45 years in prison for charges related to an alleged bribery scheme involving the Qatari and Egyptian governments. Her trial was postponed due to a medical condition, with Menendez set to be tried first. Court documents suggest Menendez could incriminate his wife for withholding information in the alleged scheme.

Rep. Henry Cuellar Indicted in Bribery Scandal Involving Azerbaijan and Mexican Bank


Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife are accused of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank from 2014 to 2021 through shell companies and intermediaries. Cuellar allegedly used his position to benefit Azerbaijan and Banco Azteca. The charges include conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery of a federal official, wire fraud, violating the ban on public officials acting as agents of a foreign principal, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. Cuellar is the third sitting lawmaker indicted this Congress, alongside former Rep. George Santos and Sen. Bob Menendez.

Republicans in New Jersey Welcome Sen. Bob Menendez's Potential Independent Re-Election Bid in 2024


Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez in New Jersey may run as an independent in the 2024 election if exonerated. Republicans see an opportunity to break the Democratic Party's long hold on the U.S. Senate seat due to Menendez's ongoing corruption scandal. GOP candidates like Curtis Bashaw and Christine Serrano Glassner are gearing up for the race. Serrano Glassner emphasizes an 'America-first' approach in the primary.

Rob Menendez (Wikipedia)


Robert Jacobsen Menendez Jr. (born July 12, 1985) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 8th congressional district since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party and son of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, he was a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from 2021 to 2023.

Lyle and Erik Menéndez (Wikipedia)


Joseph Lyle Menéndez (born January 10, 1968) and Erik Galen Menéndez (born November 27, 1970) are American brothers who were convicted in 1996 of the murders of their parents, José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menéndez.During their trial, the brothers stated that they committed the murders out of fear that their father would kill them after they threatened to expose him for years of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse. The prosecution argued that they did it to inherit their father's multimillion-dollar estate. They were first tried separately with one jury for each brother. However, both juries deadlocked which resulted in a mistrial. For the second trial, they were tried together by a single jury which found them guilty. They were sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Fred Daibes (Wikipedia)


Fred Daibes (born 1956/1957) is an American real estate developer. He was a key figure in the revitalization of Edgewater, New Jersey, and the development of the Gold Coast along the Hudson River.He and his parents immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in 1969 and his family settled in Edgewater, New Jersey. He graduated from Leonia High School. Daibes got his start working in a masonry company with his father and expanded into contracting and then real-estate development in the 1980s, with projects becoming successively larger and more luxurious.In November 2013, a group of four people broke into the apartment where Daibes and his wife were sleeping, beat them and stole $2 million in cash, along with jewelry and gold.In May 2023, the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation released a report that found that elected and appointed New Jersey officials deliberately worked to benefit Daibes with some of them receiving business contracts and one receiving a discounted rent for a luxury apartment.Daibes is accused of giving senator Robert Menendez and his wife bribes of cash and nine bars of gold bullion in exchange for the senator’s help in a bank fraud case Daibes faced by installing a US attorney who would likely make the prosecution less severe. Some of the gold bars found in the FBI search of the Menendez home had serial numbers connected to the November 2013 robbery from Daibes' apartment.

Bill Introduced by Rep. Sherrill Aims to Bar Officials Facing Charges from Classified Information


Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey has introduced the Guarding the United States Against Reckless Disclosures Act, targeting officials charged with compromising national security, acting as foreign agents, obstructing proceedings, or unlawfully retaining classified information. The bill could impact Sen. Bob Menendez and former President Donald Trump, both facing charges, by prohibiting them from accessing sensitive information. Menendez, charged with bribery and conspiring with foreign governments, faces pressure to resign but plans to run for re-election if cleared. The legislation also allows for case-by-case access to classified information through majority votes in Congress.

Speaker Johnson meets Gov Abbott in Texas to talk border action, Mayorkas impeachment


Fox News' Chad Pergram provides details on the Senate's obligation to launch an impeachment trial against Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas after the House sent articles of impeachment. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., met with Texas Governor Greg Abbott on the latters home turf on Thursday, where they discussed the ongoing border crisis and the House GOPs response to it. The meeting came hours after Johnson revealed that the House of Representatives would send articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on April 10.

Investor Convicted of Insider Trading in Trump Media Stock Merger Case


Investor Bruce Garelick was convicted by a federal jury in New York for insider trading involving Digital World Acquisition Corp's merger with Trump Media. Garelick, a board member of Digital World Acquisition Corp, shared non-public merger information with others, leading to securities fraud and conspiracy charges. Trump Media, owned by former President Donald Trump, was not implicated. Garelick's co-defendants pleaded guilty earlier. The trial coincided with Trump's separate trial in Manhattan. Garelick is set to be sentenced in September.

Donald Trump Launches Vulgar Attacks at Rally in New Jersey


At a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, former President Donald Trump insulted Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, calling them "fat Alvin" and "highly conflicted" respectively. He referred to his hush-money trial as a "Biden show trial" and criticized the Biden administration, claiming they rig elections. Trump predicted he would win New Jersey, a historically blue state. The rally featured personal attacks, coarse language, and vulgar expressions from Trump and his supporters.

Competition heats up for Trump's running mate among vice presidential hopefuls


North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum praised Trump at a rally in New Jersey, with Trump reciprocating the praise and hinting at possible surprises. Trump indicated he won't announce his VP pick before the Republican National Convention. Other contenders like Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Elise Stefanik, and Kristi Noem have also been active at Trump's events. Issues of accepting election results for 2024 have been raised by politicians on both sides. Biden criticized potential running mates for Trump, accusing them of supporting election lies and an extreme agenda. Trump's rally in New Jersey occurred amidst his hush money trial in Manhattan, where Stormy Daniels testified and Michael Cohen is expected to testify next.

New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy suspends Senate campaign for Bob Menendez's seat amid concerns of divisive campaign


Tammy Murphy announced the suspension of her Senate campaign citing concerns of a divisive and negative campaign amidst Donald Trump's presence on the ballot. Her decision comes before a judge was expected to rule on a lawsuit challenging local leaders' influence over party primaries. Democratic Rep Andy Kim, another candidate for the Senate seat, had sought an injunction against the preferential ballot structure. With Murphy's withdrawal, the urgency to address the ballot design has decreased, potentially leaving the decision on hold. Menendez, facing legal charges, opted out of the Democratic primary but may consider an independent bid. Murphy, wife of Gov Phil Murphy, initially entered the Democratic primary in November.

Andy Kim Secures Third Consecutive Win Over Tammy Murphy in Democratic Senate Convention


In the midst of the Democratic primary contest for Senator Bob Menendez's seat, Andy Kim secured a third consecutive win over New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy at the Hunterdon County Convention, leading to his name appearing alongside other party-endorsed candidates. The convention saw controversy as an ally of Murphy proposed changing endorsement rules, met with opposition and ultimately rejected. Various county systems in New Jersey determine party-line awards differently, with Kim winning in Hunterdon County by a significant margin.

New Jersey First Lady Suspends Senate Campaign, Andy Kim Gains Momentum in Democratic Senate Convention


Tammy Murphy, wife of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, suspended her Senate campaign, leaving Rep. Andy Kim as the main Democratic candidate to replace Senator Bob Menendez. Murphy cited the desire to avoid a divisive campaign and focus on unity. Andy Kim has gained momentum in the race, emphasizing tackling corruption and introducing a bipartisan bill to strengthen federal bribery laws. Menendez, facing corruption charges, may run as an independent. Murphy's exit raises questions about county endorsements shifting to Kim.

NJ voters say Trump could flip state red despite legal woes: 'There's momentum'


A panel of New Jersey voters joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss what issues matter most to them before they head to the ballot box in November and why some think Trump could flip the Garden State red. New Jersey voters are confident former President Trump has a chance to flip the deep-blue Garden State red in November, despite his court battles, as he prepares to draw as many as 40,000 supporters to a rally in Wildwood Saturday. A panel of N.J. voters joined "Fox & Friends First" to discuss why they believe the former president has a shot to secure those electoral votes in November as he campaigns in between his various legal appearances.

Jury selection begins for corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez with potential implications on Senate control Jury selection begins for corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez with potential implications on Senate control Jury selection begins for corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez with potential implications on Senate control Jury selection begins for corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez with potential implications on Senate control Jury selection begins for corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez with potential implications on Senate control Jury selection begins for corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez with potential implications on Senate control

SOURCES

The Guardian

Bob Menendez corruption trial to begin: ‘I look forward to proving my innocence’

https://www.theguardian.com/profile/richardluscombe

Yahoo! News

Gold bars, basement carpeting and more. Here’s what prosecutors say bought off a US senator

Yahoo! News

ABC News

Jury selection to begin in the corruption trial of Sen. Bob Menendez

ABC News

AP News

Jury selection to begin in the corruption trial of Sen. Bob Menendez

By LARRY NEUMEISTER

ABC News

Jury selection to begin in the corruption trial of Sen. Bob Menendez

ABC News

The Huffington Post

Jury Selection To Begin In The Bribery Trial Of Sen. Bob Menendez

The Huffington Post

NPR

Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez goes on trial in New York on federal corruption charges

NPR

NBC

Jury selection begins in bribery case against Sen. Bob Menendez in New York

NBC

CBS News

New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez's corruption trial begins. Here's what to know.

CBS News

Washington Post

What to know about Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial

Washington Post

Yahoo! News

The Bob Menendez trial is starting. Why his Senate colleagues don't want to talk about it

Yahoo! News

NY Post

Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial involving gold-bar ‘bribes’ set to kick off

NY Post

Yahoo! News

Jury selection begins in bribery case against Sen. Bob Menendez in New York

Yahoo! News

Yahoo! News

US Senator Robert Menendez's corruption trial to get underway

Yahoo! News

Fox News

Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez faces second federal corruption trial with jury selection starting Monday

Fox News

BBC News

What to know about the federal trial of NJ Senator Robert Menendez

https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews

PANORA

Delay Granted in Menendez Bribery Trial, Wife's Trial Delayed Due to Medical Condition

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PANORA

Sen. Bob Menendez and Wife to Face Bribery Charges in Separate Trials Due to Medical Condition

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Sen. Bob Menendez's Bribery Trial Involves Trauma Defense and Psychiatrist Testimony

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Senator Bob Menendez may blame his wife in bribery trial

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US Senator Bob Menendez faces second corruption trial in a decade over bribery allegations involving wealthy businessmen and favors for Egypt and Qatar; defended actions as within rules, but potential political damage looms as FBI found gold bars and cash in his home

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Wife of Sen. Bob Menendez Seeks Delay in Corruption Trial Due to Health Concerns

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Attorneys Clash Over Senator Bob Menendez's Mental Health Information In Bribery Trial

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Wikipedia

Bob Menendez

Wikipedia

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Hundreds gather for Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan

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Former President Trump's Trial Continues with Cross-Examination of Stormy Daniels

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Manhattan Prosecutors Seek Direct Evidence of Trump's Guilt from Michael Cohen in Criminal Trial

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New Jersey Sen Bob Menendez's Wife Expresses Fear of Going to Jail Due to Financial Constraints

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Rep. Henry Cuellar Indicted in Bribery Scandal Involving Azerbaijan and Mexican Bank

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Republicans in New Jersey Welcome Sen. Bob Menendez's Potential Independent Re-Election Bid in 2024

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Wikipedia

Rob Menendez

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

Lyle and Erik Menéndez

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

Fred Daibes

Wikipedia

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Bill Introduced by Rep. Sherrill Aims to Bar Officials Facing Charges from Classified Information

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Speaker Johnson meets Gov Abbott in Texas to talk border action, Mayorkas impeachment

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Investor Convicted of Insider Trading in Trump Media Stock Merger Case

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Donald Trump Launches Vulgar Attacks at Rally in New Jersey

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Competition heats up for Trump's running mate among vice presidential hopefuls

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New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy suspends Senate campaign for Bob Menendez's seat amid concerns of divisive campaign

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Andy Kim Secures Third Consecutive Win Over Tammy Murphy in Democratic Senate Convention

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New Jersey First Lady Suspends Senate Campaign, Andy Kim Gains Momentum in Democratic Senate Convention

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NJ voters say Trump could flip state red despite legal woes: 'There's momentum'

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