On Wednesday, federal prosecutors requested a postponement of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez and his wife’s corruption trial by at least two months.
This plea came after Nadine Menendez’s legal team revealed her urgent medical condition necessitating surgery.
In a letter to U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein, prosecutors urged for a rescheduling from the original May 6 date to sometime in July or August. Despite their support for a delay due to Nadine Menendez’s health concerns, they opposed the couple’s request for separate trials.
The prosecutors emphasized their seriousness regarding Nadine Menendez’s medical situation, allowing the Democratic senator to prioritize his wife’s well-being.
However, they objected to an indefinite adjournment sought by Nadine Menendez’s legal team.
The specific medical condition afflicting Nadine Menendez was not disclosed, but her lawyers indicated the need for surgery within four to six weeks with potential extensive follow-up care. They asserted that she wouldn’t be physically or psychologically fit to partake in the currently scheduled six-week trial.
Bob Menendez and his wife, along with two other defendants, face charges in a broad bribery conspiracy, all of whom have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege that the senator accepted various forms of bribes to leverage his influence domestically and on behalf of Egypt and Qatar. Additionally, obstruction of justice charges have been levied against the Menendezes.
The senator relinquished his chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after his arrest in September. Despite calls for resignation, Menendez, up for re-election in November, opted not to participate in New Jersey’s Democratic primary. Instead, he plans to run as an independent if acquitted.
The meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House underscored a strengthening partnership, particularly in joint defense efforts such as a new missile defense system.
With Democrats and their independent allies holding a narrow 51-49 Senate majority, the upcoming November elections could be pivotal.
