Jury begins deliberations in Sen. Bob Menendez’s federal corruption trial

CNN —

The jury in the federal corruption trial against Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and his co-defendants began deliberations Friday after hearing from 37 witnesses over nine weeks of testimony.

Jurors were dismissed for the day after deliberating for approximately three hours Friday and are expected to return to Manhattan criminal court at 9:30 a.m. ET on Monday to continue their deliberations.

Menendez and his co-defendants, New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, are accused of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme. Prosecutors say the senator tried to use his power to advance Egyptian military interests, interfere in criminal prosecutions and secure investment from Qatari officials, among other things. Menendez and his wife allegedly received gold bars, hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, a Mercedes Benz convertible and other bribes in exchange for his influence.

The senator’s wife, Nadine Menendez, was also charged in the case, but will be tried separately later this year after she was granted a delay by the judge so she can focus on her treatment for breast cancer. She has pleaded not guilty.

Bob Menendez faces 16 counts – including bribery, extortion, wire fraud, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent – for his alleged role in the scheme.

The senator has denied any wrongdoing and accused prosecutors of targeting him. He did not take the stand in his own defense during the trial.

New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez exits federal court in New York City on June 10, 2024.

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