On Monday, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez entered a plea of not guilty to obstruction charges outlined in a recent federal indictment. These charges supplement the bribery and corruption allegations he previously faced.
Menendez reiterated his plea, stating, “Once again, not guilty, your honor.”
Federal prosecutors allege that Menendez and his wife, Nadine, attempted to disguise bribes, including a new Mercedes Benz and a mortgage payment, as loans.
Menendez, his wife, and two New Jersey businessmen, all entering not guilty pleas to the new obstruction counts, are slated to go to trial in May.
Despite Menendez’s request to postpone the trial date due to the new charges, Judge Sidney Stein declined the adjournment on Tuesday, leaving the trial date set for May 6.
Jose Uribe, a third businessman implicated in the case, pleaded guilty and pledged cooperation. Following Uribe’s plea, the new indictment was issued, increasing the total charges against Menendez to 18.
According to prosecutors, Uribe allegedly provided Nadine Menendez with the luxury convertible in exchange for the senator’s assistance.
