Former New Jersey attorney general, Gurbir Grewal, testified at the bribery trial of Senator Bob Menendez that Menendez had tried to discuss a pending criminal case with him, which Grewal found to be “pretty unprecedented.” Menendez is accused of interfering in a criminal case at the request of businessmen who allegedly paid him bribes. Grewal recalled receiving a call from Menendez in early 2019, where the senator expressed concerns about the treatment of Hispanics in the trucking industry by state investigators. Grewal directed Menendez to have a defense lawyer contact the prosecutors or the judge regarding the matter.
Menendez later requested a meeting with Grewal in his Newark office, where he once again brought up the issue of the treatment of Hispanics in the criminal case. Grewal repeated his earlier instruction to have defense lawyers handle the matter with prosecutors or the judge. Despite the senator’s concerns about the handling of the case, Grewal testified that Menendez did not indicate how it should be addressed. Menendez was described as polite and respectful in his interactions with Grewal, and there was no mention of any retribution or pressure from the senator during their conversations.
Despite the lack of direct pressure from Menendez, Grewal noted that it was unusual for a lawmaker to reach out about an ongoing criminal case. He mentioned that a state legislator and the governor’s chief of staff had also sought to discuss a case while he was attorney general. Menendez, while leaving the courthouse, stated in Spanish that advocating for Hispanic rights is not a crime. The trial involves Menendez and two businessmen who have all pleaded not guilty to bribery charges. One businessman has pleaded guilty and is expected to testify.
Grewal’s testimony shed light on Menendez’s attempts to discuss a criminal case with him and his response to the senator’s inquiries. Despite Menendez’s concerns about the treatment of Hispanics in the trucking industry, Grewal maintained that any issues should be addressed through defense lawyers and not directly with prosecutors or judges. The senator’s actions raised questions about potential interference in the criminal case, as well as the appropriateness of discussing such matters with government officials. The trial continues with further testimonies and evidence presented by the prosecution and defense.
The defense attorney for Menendez, Avi Weitzman, highlighted Grewal’s portrayal of the senator as respectful and polite during their interactions. Weitzman pointed out that there was no mention of threats or pressure from Menendez to influence the handling of the case. Grewal acknowledged that while the senator’s actions were unusual, he did not feel intimidated or coerced by Menendez. The trial proceedings aim to determine the extent of Menendez’s involvement in the criminal case and whether his actions constitute bribery or interference in legal matters.
As the trial unfolds, Menendez’s interactions with Grewal regarding the criminal case are being closely examined. Grewal’s testimony provides insight into the senator’s attempts to address concerns about the treatment of Hispanics in the trucking industry, and how he directed Menendez to approach the matter through legal channels. Despite the senator’s inquiries, Grewal maintained the importance of keeping legal decisions free from external influences. The trial outcome will determine the implications of Menendez’s actions and whether they constitute criminal behavior or ethical misconduct in his role as a government official.
