Sen. Bob Menendez walks into the Manhattan federal courthouse on March 11, 2024. (Fox News)
The new charges allege Menendez and his wife received gifts from Jose Uribe, a former co-defendant, in exchange for favors. Uribe pleaded guilty to bribery charges earlier this month and agreed to testify in the corruption case. Hana's attorney said his client does not intend to do the same.
"We believe we'll be totally vindicated," defense attorney Lawrence Lustberg said after the hearing that lasted 15 minutes. "Let me say in particular that the allegations against him with regard to serving the government of Egypt somehow are completely without legal and factual basis. Mr. Hana has no intention of pleading guilty and cooperating, and he will not do that."
Menendez and his wife are also charged with conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and obstruction of justice. In addition, Menendez is charged with acting as a foreign agent. He was removed as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last fall.
Sen. Bob Menendez listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Dec. 7, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
All four defendants entered not guilty pleas Monday.
The trial is scheduled for May 6, and the government anticipates needing four to six weeks for their case, where they may call DNA, fingerprint and other experts.
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The defense says they only need one week.
Fox News' Maria Paronich, Jeremy Copas, and Grace Taggart contributed to this report.
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