file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the jury in the corruption trial of Democratic Senator Bob Menendez is taking a break today following a critical day in court on Monday, where attorneys for the senator began presenting their defense against bribery allegations.
Family Members Testify
The defense’s first witnesses were close family members, starting with Sen. Menendez’s 80-year-old sister, Caridad Gonzalez. Gonzalez testified that it’s not unusual for Menendez to keep large amounts of cash at home due to their Cuban heritage, where distrust of banks is common.
Gonzalez’s testimony was followed by Katia Tabourian, the senator’s sister-in-law. She offered an explanation for the gold bars found in the Menendez home, stating that in their Lebanese culture, it is customary to give gold as gifts.
Allegations and Accusations
Sen. Menendez and his wife, Nadine, are accused of accepting bribes in the form of cash and gold from defendants Fred Daibes and Wael Hana. Prosecutors allege that Daibes sought Menendez’s help in securing a $95 million investment deal with Qatar’s royal family. Additionally, Menendez is accused of influencing military aid to Egypt.
As the prosecution rests, they maintain that the cash found in the Menendez residence was indeed bribe money.
Courtroom Dynamics
The trial took an interesting turn when the judge admonished Menendez’s defense team, cautioning them against turning the proceedings into a “soap opera,” and emphasizing that it was becoming “a bad soap opera.”
Looking Ahead
The defense is expected to call several more witnesses in the coming days. It remains uncertain whether Sen. Menendez himself will testify. The trial is set to resume on Wednesday.
His sister said the family has always liked to hide cash in the home, even when they were kids!
She thinks we stoopid.