Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez submitted a request to a federal judge on Thursday seeking to postpone his sentencing, which is scheduled for the end of January, regarding bribery charges and allegations of serving as an agent for the Egyptian government. Menendez’s team argued that if he were sentenced alongside his wife’s trial, it would have a devastating emotional impact on their family.
In a correspondence to Judge Sidney H. Stein, Menendez’s attorneys expressed concerns that the jury in his wife’s trial, Nadine Menendez, could be influenced by news of Bob’s sentencing just eight days into her proceedings. They emphasized that the overlap could “poison the proceedings” for Nadine, making it difficult for her to receive a fair trial.
Bob Menendez’s legal team proposed that his sentencing be shifted to a date shortly after Nadine’s trial, which could stretch into March. Following his conviction in July on multiple charges—including bribery and obstruction of justice—Menendez resigned from his position, and he is currently appealing the verdict based on new evidence about jury conduct during deliberations.
Nadine Menendez’s trial had previously been delayed due to her need for surgery relating to breast cancer. She faces legal challenges similar to those of her husband and is set to commence her trial on January 21, followed by his scheduled sentencing on January 29. According to his lawyers, Bob Menendez plays a crucial role in supporting his wife during her medical struggles and legal issues.
The lawyers emphasized that sentencing Bob while Nadine’s trial is underway would be excessively burdensome for both him and his family, particularly given her health challenges. They argued that facing sentencing amidst his wife’s serious legal battle would be unreasonable.
In a separate letter, Nadine’s attorney advised the judge against a proposal from prosecutors to have Bob Menendez sentenced just prior to Nadine’s trial. Attorney Barry Coburn stressed that such timing could severely hinder Nadine’s ability to focus on her defense and participate fully in her trial.
A spokesperson for the prosecution has refrained from commenting on the matter. According to the allegations, investigators found nearly $150,000 in gold bars, $480,000 in cash, and a luxury Mercedes-Benz at the home shared by the Menendez couple, suggesting these items were exchanged in return for political favors from Bob Menendez toward certain New Jersey businessmen.
This case marks a significant point in Menendez’s career, which saw him in a powerful role as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before he was compelled to relinquish that position following the charges filed against him.
