NEW YORK — Sen. Bob Menendez decided not to take the stand in his own defense against federal corruption charges, though he talked about it “at length” with his attorneys.
Menendez (D-N.J.) informed U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein on Wednesday afternoon that he would not testify, moments before his team of lawyers rested their defense case.
Menendez’s Decision
Menendez, accused of accepting bribes to influence state and federal criminal cases and to help the Egyptian government obtain American military aid, explained his decision outside a Manhattan federal courthouse. He stated that prosecutors, who indicted him last fall, “failed” to prove their case. This marks the second time Menendez has faced such charges, following a mistrial in 2017. He reiterated a familiar reasoning from his previous trial, noting that testifying would give prosecutors another chance to “redo their entire meritless case in chief all over again.”
Defense and Prosecution Strategies
Earlier this week, during legal arguments in front of the judge without jurors present, Menendez’s attorney, Adam Fee, seemed to preview the defense’s closing arguments. Fee argued, “There’s no direct proof of the schemes alleged. It’s only about the strength of inferences.”
Prosecutors spent over two months presenting their case, describing Menendez as a “senator on the take.” They presented evidence of over half a million dollars in cash and around a quarter-million dollars in gold bars found in Menendez’s home, along with a slew of text messages, emails, phone calls, and meetings, including one with an Egyptian diplomat observed by the FBI.
Key Witnesses and Evidence
Despite this, some evidence deemed “critical” by prosecutors was withheld from jurors due to congressional immunity. Menendez’s defense team hopes jurors will disregard testimony from a key government witness who pleaded guilty to bribing Menendez but has his own criminal record. Additionally, other witnesses testified that Menendez did not pressure them during interactions that prosecutors claimed were part of the bribery schemes.
The Role of Nadine Menendez
A significant element of the case involves Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who prosecutors say acted as an intermediary. The defense contends that the couple lived largely separate lives and that Nadine was acting independently. She is expected to stand trial separately due to health issues.
Upcoming Closing Arguments
Closing arguments are expected to begin on Monday, marking a crucial phase in this high-profile trial.
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