The federal judge presiding over the bribery case against Sen. Bob Menendez has made several rulings on witnesses for the upcoming trial, including denying the defense’s request for a psychiatrist to testify about a condition that could explain the large amount of cash found in Menendez’s home. The judge expects a jury to be selected and sworn in by the end of the day on Wednesday, with opening statements to follow. Prosecutors will present their case first, followed by the defense.
Menendez is accused of taking bribes, including gold bars, cash, and a luxury car while acting as an agent of a foreign government. He is standing trial with two co-defendants, New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, has also been charged but will be tried separately. All four have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to court filings, defense attorneys for Menendez wanted Dr. Karen Rosenbaum to testify that Menendez suffers from a condition that leads to a fear of scarcity, stemming from trauma caused by his family’s property being confiscated in Cuba and the suicide of his father. The defense argued that this condition led Menendez to routinely withdraw and store cash in his home. However, the judge found “substantial deficiencies” in the defense’s request for the doctor’s testimony, stating that it was based on impermissible hearsay.
When he was charged in September, Menendez also pointed to his family’s past in Cuba, saying that because of the confiscation they faced, he had withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash for more than 30 years. The judge did not find the defense’s argument for expert testimony related to Menendez’s condition to be credible, stating that it did not stand up to scrutiny. The trial is set to begin this week in federal court in New York.
In this high-profile case, Menendez faces allegations of bribery and corruption in his role as a U.S. Senator. The prosecution will present evidence of Menendez accepting bribes in the form of valuable items, such as gold bars, cash, and a luxury car, while acting on behalf of a foreign government. The defense, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to refute these claims and present their own case to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
As the trial progresses, it will be crucial for both the prosecution and defense to present their arguments effectively and persuade the jury of their respective positions. The judge’s rulings on witness testimony and other key aspects of the trial will shape the proceedings and ultimately determine the outcome of the case. With opening statements scheduled to begin soon, all eyes will be on the courtroom as this high-stakes trial unfolds.
