Sen. Bob Menendez (D.N.J.) is expected to denounce his wife during his federal corruption trial as part of his defense strategy, newly unsealed court documents reveal.
In court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Menendez’s lawyers argued that his case should be terminated because he intended to introduce evidence that would incriminate his wife, Nadine. Terminating the case means the co-defendants will be tried separately in two trials, rather than as a couple in one trial.
The couple have both pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and obstruction of justice. They are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in the form of cash, gold bars and Mercedes-Benzes for the benefit of various businessmen and the Egyptian government.
Nadine’s case had already been closed when documents filed in January were revealed on Tuesday, but the documents hint at what evidence could emerge at trial. ing.
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Sen. Bob Menendez (DN.J.) is expected to denounce his wife during his federal corruption trial as part of his defense strategy. (Getty Images)
Lawyers have hinted in court filings that they will present evidence showing the Democratic senator had no knowledge of the alleged misconduct. Lawyers said Menendez may testify about his interactions with his wife, which could prove his innocence, but that they are not concerned about Nadine’s involvement with Nadine, who allegedly hid information from her husband. There is a possibility that there are.
“At trial, Sen. Menendez may choose to testify as part of his defense regarding his interactions with his wife that would serve to materially reduce any inference of guilt on Sen. Menendez’s part,” the document states. has been done.
“For example, what did Senator Menendez discuss with his wife at the same time as the dinner with Egyptian officials (which influenced his understanding of the purpose of such dinners), and Mr. Nadine’s explanation of why? He will explain what he did. [co-defendants Wael Hanna and Jose Uribe] Provided her with certain financial items. Why he sent his wife a series of questions that other senators were allegedly planning to ask Egyptian officials. There are many other topics as well. ”
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Photo evidence shows gold bars given by Fred Dives and found at the home of Democratic New Jersey Sens. Robert Menendez and Nadine Menendez. On Friday, September 22, 2023, a federal indictment was released, alleging that Senator Menendez, his wife, and three New Jersey businessmen sought to use their political positions to support the Arab Republic of Egypt. He was charged with bribery in connection with the alleged incident. (U.S. District Court)
“They could convict Nadine by demonstrating how she withheld information from Sen. Menendez and how she led him to believe that nothing illegal was going on.” the document added.
The bribes were allegedly given to the couple by New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Dives in exchange for Menendez’s power and influence. SenEighter beand his wife are also accused of accepting gifts from Jose Uribe, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges in March.
In early April, Nadine Menendez’s lawyer requested that her trial be postponed due to an “unforeseen medical development.” Her lawyer said she was diagnosed with a “serious medical condition” on April 9.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and his wife Nadine Menendez arrive at a federal courthouse in New York on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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The senator’s trial is scheduled to begin on May 6th, and his wife’s on July 8th.
Fox News Digital’s Pilar Arias and Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.
