Sen. Menendez Seeks Dismissal Of Bribery Charge, Says Prosecutors 'Distort Reality'

NEW JERSEY — Lawyers for Sen. Bob Menendez, who is under indictment for bribery, sought to have the charges dismissed this week, telling a judge in New York that federal prosecutors' claims "distort reality," the Associated Press reported.

FBI agents investigating the longtime New Jersey senator and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, famously found gold bars in their closet during a 2019 search, according to federal prosecutors, who allege the items were part of a bribe.

The couple were indicted on Sept. 22, 2023 for allegedly accepting bribes — including cash and a Mercedes Benz convertible — from at least three people.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, "The Indictment alleges that Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes from [Wael] Hana, [Fernando] Uribe, and [Fred] Daibes in exchange for Menendez’s agreement to use his official position to protect and enrich them and to benefit the Government of Egypt."

The AP said Thursday that Menendez's lawyers said, “The Senator stands behind all of his official actions and decisions, and will be proud to defend them at trial." They also wrote that his actions are "constitutionally immune," the AP said.

Politico reported Wednesday that Menendez has added Yaakov Roth, who has represented other politicians against corruption charges, to his legal team.

Menendez, who is free on bail, has pleaded guilty to the charges. He awaits a trial on Monday, May 6.

Read prior reporting here:

• Gold Bars Found In Menendez's Home Linked To Robbery: Report
• Menendez's Wife Struck And Killed Man With Her Mercedes: Report
• Gold Bars For Govt. Documents: Feds Say NJ Sen. Menendez Aided Egypt