Jury deliberations began in the federal corruption trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) on Friday, kicking off the final stretch in a case that has been argued in court for more than two months.
Judge Sidney Stein handed over the case Friday afternoon, after spending the morning giving lengthy instructions to the New York City jury about how it should consider and apply the law.
Menendez, New Jersey’s senior senator, is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for using his influence to benefit associates and foreign governments. His wife, Nadine Menendez, and three businessmen, Wael Hana, Fred Daibes and Jose Uribe, have also been charged in the scheme.
The jury is deliberating the charges against Sen. Menendez, Hana and Daibes, while Uribe has already pleaded guilty. The trial of Nadine Menendez has been delayed due to her health issues.
