© Kevin R. Wexler-The Record / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Jersey City, NJ) – US Senator Bob Menendez — New Jersey’s senior senator — is continuing to face turmoil while facing charges of bribery and corruption. After a federal grand jury in Manhattan indicted him earlier this year, a trial is set for May 6, 2024. But Menendez is asking for the trial to be delayed. He’s asking the court to push back the proceedings to sometime in July, which could be after the June primary in Menendez’ ongoing bid for re-election.
Prosecutors say Menendez accepted gold bars, cash, a luxury car, and an apartment in exchange for exerting influence with the US Department of Justice — allegedly to help out a Egyptian-American businessman based out of New Jersey. Senator Menendez’ attorneys say the government’s case is not “open and shut,” arguing the extension request is modest.
Meanwhile, Menendez is experiencing some upheaval within his campaign. His longtime campaign and legal defense fundraiser Samantha Maltzman has resigned. She held the role or Senator Menendez’ finance director for over 12 years. The senators fundraising efforts have slowed dating back to the indictment on federal corruption charges — which dates back to September of this year.
