Sen. Bob Menendez seeks dismissal of criminal charges. His lawyers say prosecutors ‘distort reality’

NEW YORK (AP) — Sen. Bob Menendez on Wednesday sought dismissal of charges, including bribery, as his lawyers told a judge that New York federal prosecutors are making claims that are “outrageously false” and “distort reality.”

The New Jersey Democrat and his wife pleaded not guilty after they were charged last fall with accepting bribes of gold bars, cash and a luxury car in return for help from the senator that would benefit three New Jersey businessmen, who were also arrested and pleaded not guilty.

The indictment has since been updated with charges alleging that Menendez used his political influence to secretly advance Egypt’s interests and that he acted favorably to Qatar’s government to aid a businessman.

“The Senator stands behind all of his official actions and decisions, and will be proud to defend them at trial,” the lawyers wrote.

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«Other news» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true» data-gtm-modulestyle=«List B»> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Other news </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> El-Sissi wins Egypt’s presidential election with 89.6% of the vote and secures third term in office </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Egyptians vote on second day of an election that’s sure to see President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi win </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Egyptians vote for president, with el-Sissi certain to win </bsp-custom-headline> </bsp-list-loadmore>

A trial is scheduled for May 5. Menendez is free on $100,000 bail.

Menendez’s lawyers said in court papers that their client’s conduct was “constitutionally immune” and