Prosecutors and defense attorneys concluded the debate today at the bribery trial of Nadine Menendez, former Senator Bob Melendez (DM.J.
The former senator (away and sentenced to 11 years in prison in bribery, serving as a foreign agent and for the impediment charge, was repeatedly mentioned in the government summary. Nadine Menendez, facing similar charges, sat quietly in the court between the two lawyers wearing a pink mask.
Prosecutor Paul Monteleoni brought the government’s end debate within hours, calling Bob Menendez a “crime partner” to his wife. He made all 18 charges against Nadine Menendez, accusing her of being an agent and selling her husband’s political power in a series of plans.
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Nadine Menendez, the wife of former Senator Robert Menendez, left federal court in New York, U.S. on Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Prosecutors said misconduct includes helping Halal Certified New Jersey seek monopoly, interfering in state-level criminal cases and providing a letter to the Egyptian government to help maintain our aid.
In return, Monterini told jurors that Nadine Menendez received a cash envelope, a kilogram of gold bars, a high-paying job and a luxury convertible.
“She did so, so she could get a convertible,” Monterioni said, adding: “The defendant was guilty on every charge.”
Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez spoke to the media after he announced his verdict on bribery in New York, USA on January 29, 2025. (Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Sen Menendez is charged with obstruction of justice in another replacing indictment
Barry Coburn, who represents the defense, argued that the government adopted an overly broad definition of “official conduct” and “Quid Pro Quo.” He claims that most of the alleged involve conventional political behavior. “Menandes must and should not be convicted,” Coben told the jury.
He particularly delayed the claim that the meeting between former Senator Menendez and New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal constituted a formal bill.
“In this case, these things have not been confirmed, and the rule of law stipulates the acquittal of these charges,” Coben added.
Nadine Menendez, the wife of former Senator Bob Menendez, was tried on March 19, 2025 in New York City at Manhattan Federal Court. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
The defense also questioned the credibility of cooperating government witness Jose Uribe, who said most of his testimony lacked evidence. Coburn pointed out a dinner, and Uribe claimed the former senator told him: “I saved your ass, not once, but twice.” Coburn believes that such statements are unverified and unreliable.
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Judge Sidney H. Stein plans to submit the jury’s direction at 9:30 a.m. Friday, and the deliberation will begin thereafter.
