Jury selection began in the federal corruption trial of Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, who is accused of accepting cash and gold bars in exchange for political favors. The trial, taking place in Manhattan, is expected to last until around the Fourth of July. The jurors will be chosen from Manhattan, the Bronx, or surrounding areas. Mr. Menendez has been in Congress for three decades and has pleaded not guilty.
The trial began with reporters and prospective jurors waiting outside the courthouse early in the morning. Mr. Menendez arrived wearing a suit and greeted court officers with a smile. The proceedings began with the judge questioning potential jurors, with roughly three dozen being dismissed after an initial screening. Mr. Menendez, along with two businessmen, sat quietly talking with their lawyers. The lawyers’ opening statements may be postponed to Wednesday as the questioning of jurors continues.
Mr. Menendez has expressed confidence in being exonerated and has not ruled out running for re-election in November. He and his wife are accused of being involved in a bribery scheme for nearly five years. Mr. Menendez is alleged to have steered government aid and weapons to Egypt, helped Mr. Hana’s company secure a monopoly, and interfered in criminal investigations in New Jersey. In return, he and his wife received various gifts including a car, home mortgage payments, and cash. Ms. Menendez, who is also facing charges, will be tried separately in July.
Judge Stein addressed the prospective jurors, acknowledging the strain a lengthy trial may cause. He emphasized the importance of representative government and trial by jury. The trial is expected to last six or seven weeks but could extend further. A jury consultant, Justin Kelly, was present at the defense table with Mr. Menendez’s legal team. Mr. Menendez has previously been on trial for public corruption, with the first trial ending in a hung jury and subsequent dismissal of charges.
This trial marks the second time in seven years that Mr. Menendez has faced corruption charges. The first trial in New Jersey ended with a hung jury and the dismissal of charges. The current trial is expected to last for several weeks, with jury selection being a key component of the process. Mr. Menendez has maintained his innocence and is focused on his defense in the case. The jury will be selected from Manhattan, the Bronx, and surrounding counties, with the trial proceedings taking place in Manhattan.
