Sen. Bob Menendez revealed that his wife will undergo a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, just as evidence of gold bars and cash seized from their home was shown in court. The New Jersey Democrat shared his wife’s health crisis following media inquiries and expressed hope for the best results. Previously, Nadine Menendez’s trial had been postponed after her health issue was disclosed, but she has now pleaded not guilty. The senator, facing bribery charges, has also pleaded not guilty to multiple offenses and is on trial with two businessmen, while a third has already pleaded guilty.
Opening statements in the trial were completed, and the first witness, an FBI agent, testified to seizing gold bars and over $480,000 in cash from the couple’s home during a raid. The agent described how he chose to seize the cash based on the circumstances, despite initial instructions to only photograph it. Jurors were taken through the home as they were shown photographs and heard testimony about where the cash and gold bars were discovered. The agent described finding cash in various locations, including shoes, jackets, and on shelves, totaling to 52 items seized.
Lawyers for the businessmen on trial delivered their opening remarks, emphasizing that their clients had not engaged in bribery. They highlighted the long-standing friendship between the defendants and Nadine Menendez, suggesting that the gifts exchanged were innocent acts of friendship. The defense maintained that the gifts were not given to Bob Menendez in exchange for official acts. De Castro, representing one of the defendants, stated that the case revolved around relationships and claimed that his client was not guilty of the alleged crimes.
Bob Menendez’s defense attorney asserted that the senator was unaware of the gifts received by his spouse and was not aware of the hidden cash and gold bars in their home. The prosecutor, however, repeatedly highlighted the significant amounts of cash and gold found during the presentation of evidence. Menendez, who has been in public office since 1986, faces serious charges and could potentially face severe consequences if found guilty. The trial, which is expected to last up to two months, began on Monday and is being closely watched as it unfolds in Manhattan federal court.
