A federal judge cautioned attorneys in Sen. Robert Menendez’s bribery trial to refrain from theatrics and to act in good faith. Judge Sidney Stein expressed concerns about the gamesmanship in the trial before jury selection began. Menendez, a Democrat and once a powerful senator, remained silent during the proceedings.
Menendez is facing accusations of bribery, extortion, fraud, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt from 2018 to 2022. Prosecutors informed the court that they anticipate a 6 1/2 week presentation of their case, with the trial lasting around six to seven weeks.
This is Menendez’s second criminal trial, following his avoidance of conviction on corruption charges in 2017. Legal experts believe this case, brought by the Justice Department, poses a greater threat to Menendez and the nation. Despite pleading not guilty, Menendez may shift blame to his wife, Nadine Menendez, who is also facing charges but delayed her trial due to surgery.
The trial coincides with former President Donald Trump’s trial related to a payment to Stormy Daniels, just blocks away. Menendez maintains his innocence in the face of the allegations.
