Senator Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine Menendez depart a Manhattan court after they were arraigned on federal bribery charges in New York, United States on September 27, 2023. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Menendez "put his power up for sale," while aiding the Egyptian government and trying to brush criminal cases under the rug in exchange for 22 gold bars, jewelry, cash and a Mercedes-Benz convertible, according to the prosecutor's opening statements, the New York Times reported.
Menendez's defense attorney, Avi Weitzman, will have about an hour, while Hana and Daibes' attorneys are expected to each speak for about 30 minutes during opening arguments.
In his opening statements, Weitzman described Menendez as "an American patriot," waving away the claim that he's a "foreign agent," like the prosecution alleges, according to The Times.
All three alleged conspirators have pleaded not guilty, but co-defendant Jose Uribe has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against the other defendants. A trial for the senator’s wife, Nadine, who is also charged and has also pleaded not guilty, is delayed until at least July for health reasons.
This is the second time in a decade that Menendez has been accused in a federal corruption case.
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Sen. Bob Menendez walks into the Manhattan Federal courthouse on March 11, 2024. (Fox News)
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Fox News' Jennifer Johnson contributed to this report.
Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.
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