2 days Ago
By Luc Cohen NEW YORK - Prosecutors expect to call their final witness on Friday in U.S. Senator Bob Menendez's corruption trial, paving the way for the once-powerful lawmaker to mount his defense.
During six weeks in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors have sought to portray the senior New Jersey senator as a greedy politician who attempted to help foreign governments and interfere in criminal probes into associates who bribed him and his wife with gold bars, cash, a car, and home payments. Menendez has pleaded not guilty to 16 criminal charges including bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent and obstruction. His wife, Nadine Menendez, has also pleaded not guilty and is set to go on trial in August.
Bob Menendez's defense lawyers have sought to distance him from his wife's financial dealings. They have portrayed actions that prosecutors have described as nefarious - such as the senator aiding the governments of Egypt and Qatar, or conversations with prosecutors about his associates' cases - as routine legislative work and constituent advocacy. "It's not enough to prove that Senator Menendez or Nadine Menendez received a benefit and that Senator Menendez took an official act," said Paul Tuchmann, a partner at law firm Wiggin and Dana and former federal prosecutor who is not involved in the case.
"They have to prove it is one for the other." Menendez, 70, stepped down as chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations after being charged in September, but has resisted c.
