- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

US Senator Menendez Corruption Trial Could be Pushed to 2016

© AP Photo / Pablo Martinez MonsivaisChairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Robert Menendez, D-NJ., left, gestures as he speaks as ranking member Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., sits right, during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 9, 2014, to examine Russia and developments in Ukraine.
Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Robert Menendez, D-NJ., left, gestures as he speaks as ranking member Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., sits right, during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 9, 2014, to examine Russia and developments in Ukraine. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The bribery and corruption trial of US Senator Robert Menendez could be rescheduled for a further date from the one originally planned on October 13, local media reported.

US Senator Bob Menendez - Sputnik International
US Judge Rejects Senator Menendez's Request to Move Trial to Washington
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Menendez’s attorneys asked a federal judge to delay the beginning of the trial that could start as late as next year, the Politico reported on Tuesday.

US federal prosecutors reportedly have no objections to rescheduling the case, the report said.

In April 2015, Menendez and his friend and donor, Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, were indicted by a New Jersey Court on one count of conspiracy, eight counts of bribery, one count of violating the US Travel Act and three counts of honest services fraud.

From January 2006 to January 2013, Menendez accepted at least $1 million worth of gifts and campaign contributions from Melgen in exchange for using his power as Senator to help secure millions of dollars in Medicare contacts for Melgen’s ophthalmology office, according to the indictment.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) speaks about immigration reform at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington December 10, 2014 - Sputnik International
US Authorities May Indict Senator Menendez on Corruption Charges - Reports
Menendez is also alleged to have used his power to advocate for Melgen at the highest instances of the US government in a contractual dispute over ports in the Dominican Republic, where the ophthalmologist had a business stake.

On April 2, Menendez denied the accusations of corruption around his relationship with Melgen and pleaded not guilty.

Attorneys for Menendez and Melgen justified the rescheduling the case by saying it will likely have motions pending or an appeal taken by October 13. The attorneys have also argued that the defendants will need more time to prepare for the trial, according to media reports.

Menendez is the ranking Democrat on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and original sponsor of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act. He has been supportive of President Barack Obama’s immigration reform, which could allow millions of undocumented immigrants avoid deportation from the United States and acquire work permits.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала