Bob ‘Gold Bars’ Menendez could pin the blame on his wife in his bribery trial

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez may blame his wife if he takes the stand during his bribery trial, according to newly-released court documents.

The filings, released this week, show that the Democratic lawmaker could claim that Nadine Menendez was the one taking bribes from foreign government officials and that she was then hiding the truth from him, as he seeks to clear his name of allegations that he traded his political influence for cash, gold bars and a luxury Mercedes.

“While these explanations, and the marital communications on which they rely, will tend to exonerate Senator Menendez by demonstrating the absence of any improper intent on Senator Menendez’s part, they may inculpate Nadine by demonstrating how she withheld information from Senator Menendez or otherwise led him to believe that nothing unlawful was taking place,” the documents state.

Mr Menendez’s lawyer added that, as part of his defence if he chooses to take the stand, he will testify about communications with his wife that prove he was unaware of any wrongdoing.

The New Jersey Democrat’s possible defence strategy was filed under seal with a federal judge in January before being made public on Tuesday after several media outlets requested it be unsealed.

Mr Menendez and his wife were charged in September with allegedly accepting gifts including cash, gold bars and a luxury car in exchange for the use of the senator’s influence to enrich three New Jersey businessmen and benefit the Egyptian government.

Prosecutors said businessman Wael Hana had arranged meetings between Mr Menendez and Egyptian officials, who pressed the senator to sign off on military aid.

In return, Mr Hana put Ms Menendez on the payroll of a company he controlled, prosecutors