Attorneys for Senator Bob Menendez have accused prosecutors of exposing his private mental health information in court documents related to his bribery trial. The defense team claims that this revelation has potentially tainted the jury pool and violated the judge’s instructions regarding evidence redactions. The government has argued against allowing a psychiatrist to testify about Menendez’s past trauma and hoarding habits, which the defense attributes to his family’s history as refugees and his father’s suicide over gambling debts.
Menendez and his wife are accused of accepting nearly $500,000 in cash and 13 gold bars as bribes in exchange for political favors. The senator defended his habit of keeping cash close at hand by referencing his family’s experience with confiscation in Cuba. His lawyers argue that his behavior stems from a fear of scarcity due to the traumatic events of his family fleeing Cuba and his father’s suicide. The defense believes that an expert witness can provide insight into Menendez’s mental health diagnosis and coping mechanisms.
The defense team contends that the government’s disclosure of sensitive information about Menendez’s family history and mental health has put pressure on them to call the expert witness to testify at trial. The attorneys are requesting that prosecutors provide a sworn declaration explaining why this information was made public and whether any sanctions should be imposed. Menendez has not yet made a final decision on whether to call the expert witness, but the defense believes the jury will expect to hear testimony about his mental health diagnosis.
Menendez, his wife, and two others are facing charges in a bribery scheme where the senator allegedly used his position to do favors for businessmen and foreign countries in exchange for money, gold, and other gifts. One of the businessmen involved has already pleaded guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors. Menendez’s trial is scheduled to begin on May 13, while his wife’s trial has been postponed until July for health reasons. A spokesperson for the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the matter.
The defense team for Menendez is challenging the prosecution’s attempt to bar a psychiatrist from testifying about the senator’s past trauma and hoarding behavior. They argue that the expert witness can provide valuable insights into Menendez’s mental health diagnosis and coping strategies. The defense believes that the government’s disclosure of sensitive information has influenced the jury pool and has put pressure on them to call the expert witness to testify at trial.
Menendez’s legal team is calling for an explanation from prosecutors regarding the public disclosure of his private mental health information and whether any intentional wrongdoing occurred. They are seeking potential sanctions to be brought against the government for violating the judge’s instructions on evidence redactions. The bribery trial involving Menendez, his wife, and two businessmen is set to proceed in the coming months, with one of the businessmen already pleading guilty and cooperating with authorities. The senator’s defense team remains vigilant in their efforts to protect his rights and ensure a fair trial.
