Wife of former New Jersey senator set to face trial before husband’s bribery sentencing.
Nadine Menendez, the wife of former New Jersey senator Robert Menendez, appeared in federal court in Manhattan with her arm in a sling and face covered by a surgical mask. Despite her lawyer’s argument that she couldn’t effectively participate in her criminal defense due to breast cancer treatment, the judge set her trial date for January 21, just before her husband and two friends are sentenced for bribery.
Ms. Menendez, indicted on 18 counts for her role in a bribery scheme, was often the intermediary in accepting bribes meant for her husband. Her trial was initially delayed due to her cancer diagnosis, but the judge decided to proceed with the trial as planned.
During her absence from her husband’s trial, she was portrayed as a conniving spouse by his defense team. The FBI found gold bars, cash, and a luxury car when searching their home. An insurance broker, Jose Uribe, testified that he had given Ms. Menendez a Mercedes-Benz as a bribe to seek help from the senator in resolving criminal charges.
In conclusion, Nadine Menendez’s trial is set to begin despite her health condition and her alleged involvement in a bribery scheme.
Source: The NY Times
