A prosecutor in New York City criticized Senator Bob Menendez on Tuesday for allegedly participating in erratic actions as a response to bribes during his corruption trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Monteleoni continued his closing argument before a federal court jury, claiming that Menendez engaged in unusual behavior in connection to accepting bribes, including gold and significant sums of cash, from New Jersey businessmen between 2018 and 2022.
Throughout the trial which has now reached its ninth week, Menendez, along with businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, has maintained his innocence despite facing accusations of accepting bribes in exchange for assisting in their business interests. The prosecution has alleged that Hana sought Menendez’s support to establish and safeguard a monopoly on certifying meat exported from the U.S. to Egypt, while Daibes, a prominent real estate developer, is also facing charges after pleading not guilty. Another businessman involved in the case admitted guilt and provided testimony during the trial.
Monteleoni emphasized Menendez’s purported attempt to influence former New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal in early 2019 to intervene in a criminal case by falsely asserting discrimination against Hispanic truckers. Grewal, who is currently serving as the head of enforcement for the Securities and Exchange Commission, testified against Menendez’s actions, firmly rejecting any interference in ongoing criminal investigations.
The prosecutor labeled Menendez’s actions as “wildly abnormal,” citing the senator’s careful approach in fabricating claims of discrimination within the trucking industry instead of directly requesting to halt an investigation. Monteleoni alleged that Menendez’s efforts were driven by promises of a new Mercedes-Benz for his then-girlfriend, now wife, Nadine Arslanian. Nadine Menendez, also implicated in the case, has had her trial postponed due to her recovery from breast cancer surgery.
Despite facing pressure, including calls for resignation from within the Democratic Party, Menendez has chosen to remain in office. Following the unveiling of charges last fall, he relinquished his role as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Recently, Menendez filed for reelection as an independent candidate later this year.
