Former Senator Bob Menendez Seeks Delay in Sentencing Due to Wife’s Trial
Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez has asked a federal judge to delay his end-of-January sentencing on bribery charges and acting as an agent of the Egyptian government, citing the potential emotional toll on his family.
Concerns about Wife’s Trial
Menendez’s lawyers told Judge Sidney H. Stein in a letter that Nadine Menendez would face a jury that might find it impossible not to hear about her husband’s sentencing if it occurred on its scheduled date, eight days into her trial.
“Put simply, the current timeline poses an unnecessary and overwhelming risk of poisoning the proceedings against Nadine,” the lawyers wrote.
Recommended Sentencing Date
The lawyers recommended moving the sentencing to a date immediately after his wife’s trial, which might not conclude until March.
Background on the Case
Menendez resigned in the weeks after his July conviction on 16 charges, including bribery, extortion, honest services fraud and obstruction of justice. He has challenged the conviction after prosecutors recently revealed that jurors were permitted to see some evidence during deliberations that was supposed to be excluded from the trial.
His wife, whose trial was postponed after it was learned she would need surgery for treatment of breast cancer, faces much of the same evidence as her husband in Manhattan federal court. Her trial is set to begin Jan. 21 while her husband is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 29.
Impact on the Family
Menendez’s lawyers wrote that the former senator “often tends to his wife’s physical and emotional needs.”
“Sentencing him during his wife’s trial will of course take a tremendous emotional toll on both Senator Menendez and his family,” they said. “To ask him to face sentencing during the criminal trial of his wife, who is also in the midst of an ongoing battle against a life-threatening disease, is too much to ask of any man.”
Prosecutors’ Response
A spokesperson for prosecutors declined to comment.
Conclusion
Menendez’s lawyers are seeking a delay in his sentencing to avoid any potential impact on his wife’s trial. The judge has yet to rule on the request.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Bob Menendez?
A: Menendez was convicted of 16 charges, including bribery, extortion, honest services fraud and obstruction of justice.
Q: What is the current sentencing date for Bob Menendez?
A: Menendez is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29.
Q: What is the status of Nadine Menendez’s trial?
A: Nadine Menendez’s trial is set to begin on January 21 and may not conclude until March.
Q: Why is Menendez seeking a delay in his sentencing?
A: Menendez’s lawyers are seeking a delay to avoid any potential impact on his wife’s trial and to spare his family from an emotional toll.
