NEWARK, N. J…
NEWARK, N. J. (AP) — The Latest on the corruption trial of U. S. Sen. Bob Menendez and a wealthy campaign donor (all times local) :
10 a.m.
The corruption trial of U. S. Sen. Bob Menendez and a wealthy donor has resumed with an opening statement from the donor’s attorney.
Menendez and Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen face bribery and fraud charges for what prosecutors say was a scheme in which Melgen lavished the New Jersey Democrat with gifts and donations in exchange for political influence.
Both men deny the charges and say there was no bribery agreement, but instead a long-lasting friendship that included gift-giving on both sides.
The first witness was expected to take the stand Thursday morning.
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12: 10 a.m.
The question of «why?» and not «what?» could hold the key to U. S. Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery trial.
An attorney for the New Jersey Democrat told jurors during opening statements Wednesday in Newark that he would concede that Menendez did all of the things prosecutors say he did.
Those included taking luxury vacations courtesy of Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen and meeting and corresponding with government officials on issues that could affect Melgen’s business interests.
But attorney Abbe Lowell says jurors can’t find Menendez guilty unless they conclude he and Melgen had a bribery arrangement, something Lowell says there’s no evidence to prove.
Justice Department attorney Peter Koski says Melgen’s campaign contributions and other inducements corresponded to times when Menendez met with government officials to pressure them on behalf of Melgen.
