The process of selecting the jury for Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery case against the Justice Department in Manhattan involved sifting through 150 New Yorkers. After nearly three days, 12 jurors and six alternates were chosen and sworn in on Wednesday. The trial may begin with opening statements on the same day. The pool of potential jurors was provided with a list of more than 100 possible witnesses for the case, including senators, sheikhs, White House officials, and companies, but most will not testify.
The jurors selected included a diverse group of New Yorkers, such as pastors, comedians, and musicians, who were asked about their ability to be unbiased and consider testimony from law enforcement officers and convicted criminals. Federal judge Sidney Stein emphasized the importance of impartiality and fairness in the trial during the selection process, urging the potential jurors to come without any bias and disregard media coverage of the case. Stein stressed that the justice system relies on fair and honest individuals to serve as jurors.
Menendez is charged with acting as a foreign agent for Egypt and assisting Qatar while allegedly taking bribes from New Jersey businessmen. He is being tried alongside two co-defendants, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, who have all pleaded not guilty. The initial group of potential jurors was reduced to less than 100 due to various issues, including travel plans, work commitments, and health concerns. Some potential jurors expressed knowledge of the case, prompting questions about their ability to set aside prior information and base their decisions solely on courtroom evidence.
During the trial jury selection process, potential jurors were asked about their professions and news sources, and the judge engaged with them in a lighthearted manner at times. One potential juror who worked in neuroscience was playfully questioned about how a worm could enter someone’s brain by Judge Stein during a break. The judge also reassured a potential juror with concerns about losing their job due to the trial by emphasizing the interest and informative nature of the case. The vetting of potential jurors involved a mix of serious inquiries about bias and personal engagement from the judge.
The final selection of jurors and alternates indicates the commencement of the trial proceedings against Menendez, Hana, and Daibes for bribery charges. Opening statements are expected to start following the selection of the jury members. Stresses on impartiality, fairness, and the importance of an unbiased jury were reiterated by the judge during the selection process, highlighting the significance of maintaining integrity in the judicial system. The trial against the Democratic senator and his co-defendants is poised to unfold with a diverse group of New Yorkers serving as jurors, reflecting the variety of perspectives that will determine the outcome of the case.
