Menendez Corruption Trial Continues with Potential High-Profile Witnesses
Jury selection entered its second day in the trial of Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) without any jurors being chosen. U.S. Judge Sidney H. Stein informed potential jurors that several current and former lawmakers and White House officials may be called as witnesses in the case.
Among the potential witnesses are former political strategist for former President Barack Obama, David Axelrod; Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Marco Rubio (R-FL); and former Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Prosecutors allege that Menendez, along with two New Jersey businessmen, were involved in a bribery scheme that included meddling in criminal investigations and benefiting the governments of Egypt and Qatar. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Co-defendant Jose Uribe has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against the other defendants. The trial for Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is also charged, has been delayed due to health reasons.
This is the second time in a decade that Menendez has been accused in a federal corruption case. The senator faces charges of obstruction of justice in a separate indictment related to the alleged bribery scheme.
The jury selection process is expected to continue until jurors can be chosen and the trial can proceed to opening arguments.
