In a surprising turn, a federal judge has ruled that Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and his wife, Nadine Menendez, will face separate trials for their alleged involvement in a bribery scheme. The decision comes after Nadine Menendez’s lawyers revealed that she has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition requiring surgery in the next four to six weeks.
The judge’s ruling means that Sen. Menendez’s trial will proceed as scheduled on May 6 in Manhattan federal court, while Nadine Menendez’s trial has been tentatively set for July 8.
Prosecutors pushed to delay the whole trial. They want to hold one, single trial to avoid “inefficiencies and unfairness,” including the potential for recalling dozens of witnesses.
“We’re ready to try this case. We want to try this case,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Richenthal said in court. “We don’t want to try this case twice.”
Sen. Menendez’s lawyer strongly advocated for the May 6 trial date, asserting the senator’s speedy trial rights and emphasizing the urgent need to address the allegations that have cast a shadow over his ability to run for reelection this year. The senator, who once chaired the powerful Foreign Relations Committee, stepped down from the role in September amid the allegations.
The judge also dismissed motions to dismiss the case outright or transfer the trial to New Jersey.
The Menendezes and two businessmen have pleaded not guilty to charges alleging their participation in a bribery scheme involving cash and gold bars given to the couple in exchange for the senator carrying out political favors. A third businessman, Jose Uribe, has pleaded guilty to bribery charges and agreed to testify against the others, claiming he conspired with Nadine Menendez to provide her with a Mercedes-Benz in return for access to her husband’s power and influence.
The Horn editorial team and the Associated Press contributed to this article.