Menendez asks for guilty verdicts to be thrown out
![Menendez asks for guilty verdicts to be thrown out](https://thehill.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AP24198643382933-e1724159569255.jpg?w=900)
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and two New Jersey businessmen convicted last month of bribing him have asked a federal judge to toss out their guilty verdicts or grant a new trial.
The Democratic senator claimed the "high-profile" nature of the case precipitated his 16-count conviction on charges spanning bribery and acting as a foreign agent, despite a "surprisingly thin reed of evidence."
He said the government failed to provide evidence of an agreement to trade his political clout for lavish gifts from Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, the businessmen tried alongside him, and a third businessman who pleaded guilty before the trial, instead presenting "speculation masked as inference."
And he argued that prosecutors "walked all over" protections afforded by the "speech or debate" clause, which gives lawmakers some immunity. The issue could eventually land before the Supreme Court.
"These convictions will make terrible, dangerous law," Menendez attorney Adam Fee wrote in the 52-page motion filed Monday. "All of Senator Menendez’s convictions must be reversed."
After a two-month federal corruption trial in Manhattan, a jury found Menendez and his co-defendants guilty of all of the charges against them. The New Jersey senator has maintained his innocence, telling reporters after his conviction that he has "never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country."
Once chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez now stares down decades in prison and is expected to resign from the upper chamber Tuesday. Top Democrats including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) called on him to step down after the jury's guilty verdict.
Murphy is tasked with appointing a temporary replacement for Menendez, whose seat is up for election this year. The senator planned to mount an independent bid to win his seat in November but withdrew his longshot candidacy last week. The senator is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 29.
Federal prosecutors accused Menendez and his wife, Nadine, last year of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in the form of cash, gold bars and other gifts from the businessmen, who in turn benefited from the senator's political power.
In several superseding indictments, he was also accused of conspiring to act as a foreign agent of Egypt, accepting gifts from the Qatari government and conspiring to cover up the bribery scheme as prosecutors worked the case.
Nadine Menendez also faces charges, but her case was severed after she told the court that she would undergo a surgical procedure for breast cancer. Her trial has been indefinitely delayed, and she has pleaded not guilty.
Date: |
-
BBC News - Top stories
Former Christian Brother guilty of sex abuse
The 88-year-old former teacher and school principal from Belfast was found guilty of 36 charges.12 minutes ago -
CNBC - Business
Former FTX exec Ryan Salame returns to court after waffling on guilty plea
Former FTX exec Ryan Salame back in court over attempt to withdraw his guilty plea27 minutes ago -
BBC News - Top stories
McLaren ask Piastri to back Norris title bid
McLaren are to prioritise Lando Norris over team-mate Oscar Piastri in their bid to win both Formula 1 world championships this year, team principal Andrea Stella tells BBC Sport.6 hours ago -
BBC News - Top stories
'It was like a non-league team asking Man Utd for a match'
The Solheim Cup is a revolutionary tournament born out of the success of a revolutionary putter.12 hours ago -
The New York Times - Top stories
Justin Timberlake to Plead Guilty to Lesser Charge in D.W.I. Case
The singer, who was charged after an erratic drive in Sag Harbor, N.Y., is expected to appear in person in court on Friday.14 hours ago -
The Wall Street Journal - World
A Fire Tore Through Their California Mansion. Now Rebuilt, It's Asking $22.995 Million.
The pair clashed with contractors and insurers to rebuild the Newport Beach home.15 hours ago - California -
ABC News - Entertainment
Justin Timberlake reaches deal to plead guilty to a lesser offense in Hamptons drunken driving case, AP source says
Justin Timberlake reaches deal to plead guilty to a lesser offense in Hamptons drunken driving case, AP source says16 hours ago -
The New York Times - Top stories
Trump, Asked If He Wants Ukraine to Defeat Russia, Doesn’t Say Yes
At Tuesday’s debate, Mr. Trump repeated his claim that he can end the war and refused to say if defending Ukraine was in America’s national security interests.21 hours ago - Ukraine -
The New York Times - World
Family of American Woman Held in China for 10 Years Asks for Help
Dawn Michelle Hunt, who is serving a life sentence, says she was duped into carrying drugs. Her family says she is seriously ill and should be sent home.Yesterday - China -
ABC News - Top stories
WATCH: Harris asked to address policy changes
Harris was asked to her policy position changes on issues like fracking, key in Pennsylvania -- which she said during her last campaign for president she wanted to ban but now won't.Yesterday
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
Biden, can you spare a DIME?
President Biden's over-reliance on economic sanctions to deter Russia and Iran has not been effective. He needs to dive into the diplomatic, information and military playbook as well.27 minutes ago - Joe Biden -
The Hill - Politics
Rick Scott to run ad during Miami Dolphins game hitting Mucarsel Powell as a ‘socialist’
Florida Sen. Rick Scott's (R) reelection campaign will run an ad labeling his opponent, former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel Powell, a "silly socialist" during a Miami Dolphins game on Thursday. The ...27 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
Morning Report — Post-debate: What’s next for Harris, Trump?
Two days after Vice President Harris and former President Trump faced off in their first presidential debate, one question looms large: Will it move the needle? Pollsters have characterized the ...57 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
GOP senators express frustration with Trump's performance at debate
Senate Republicans are feeling frustrated and disappointed by former President Trump's debate performance and his inability to resist taking the bait from Vice President Harris on side issues such ...1 hour ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
What to know about Google's second antitrust trial
Google is on trial for the second time in two years for alleged antitrust violations, as the Department of Justice (DOJ) accuses the tech giant of dominating all sides of the digital advertising ...1 hour ago - Google