U.S. prosecutors have asked to delay the corruption trial of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez and his wife because Nadine Menendez is seriously ill and needs surgery.
The trial was set for May 6 but may be pushed back to July or August so Senator Menendez can support his wife. Prosecutors don’t agree with the Menendezes’ request for separate trials.
Nadine Menendez’s medical condition, which hasn’t been detailed but requires surgery in four to six weeks and potential follow-up care, makes it hard for her to take part in the six-week trial.
The couple and two others are accused of a bribery conspiracy, and they all say they’re not guilty.
U.S. prosecutors seek delay for Menendez trial due to his health condition (Via Pablo Jones/Shutterstock)
Senator Menendez is accused of taking money, gold bars, and a fancy car to use his influence in the U.S. and for Egypt’s and Qatar’s governments. Both Menendezes are charged with blocking justice.
Senator Menendez gave up his role as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after he was arrested in September. He’s refused calls to quit despite facing re-election in November, and he’s skipping the New Jersey Democratic vote to run as an independent if he’s cleared.
The request to delay the trial is to help Nadine Menendez, showing how sick she is. But prosecutors still don’t want separate trials, saying how serious the charges are against the couple.
