Trial Date Set for Bribery Case Against Sen. Bob Menendez

New York, NY - A New York federal judge has denied a defense request to delay the start of jury selection for the bribery trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez. The trial, scheduled for May 5th in Manhattan, involves the New Jersey Democrat, his wife, and three New Jersey businessmen.

Menendez and the other defendants have pleaded not guilty to allegations of engaging in a bribery conspiracy that resulted in personal gains such as cash, gold bars, and a luxury car. Additionally, Menendez, his wife, and one of the businessmen have also pleaded not guilty to charges related to conspiring to use the senator as an agent of the Egyptian government.

The defense team argued for more time to prepare for trial, citing the significant amount of documents, over 6.7 million, that they must review. They also mentioned that the complexity of the case raises legal questions that require additional time to address.

Prosecutors opposed the delay, stating that they had previously warned the defense about the extensive amount of evidence that would be presented. The judge sided with the prosecutors, agreeing that the evidence provided was within the expected range.

Sen. Menendez stepped down as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following his arrest in September. Despite calls for his resignation from his Senate seat, Menendez has remained in office.

Menendez's lawyers chose not to comment on the judge's decision.

Key Details:

• Trial date set for May 5th in Manhattan
• Menendez, his wife, and three businessmen facing bribery conspiracy charges
• Plea of not guilty entered by all defendants
• Defense requested delay to review 6.7 million documents
• Prosecutors argued against delay, stating that they had provided ample warning about evidence volume
• Judge denied the defense request
• Sen. Menendez resigned as chair of Senate Foreign Relations Committee after arrest
• No comment from Menendez's lawyers on the judge's decision