Menendez’s Claims of Legislative Immunity From Bribery Charges Rejected by Judge

Federal prosecution against Sen. Bob Menendez will proceed despite claims of legislative immunity from four conspiracy charges. The charges allege that Menendez accepted bribes, including cash and gold bars, in exchange for providing favors to three New Jersey businessmen. The ruling was made by U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein on Thursday.

Judge Stein stated that legislative immunity does not protect criminal intent, emphasizing that corrupt schemes cannot be categorized as legislative acts. He also rejected Menendez’s claim that one charge violates the separation of powers doctrine.

Menendez, who pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier this week, is set to go to trial in May. His defense team may appeal the ruling, potentially postponing the trial date for months.

Despite the legal troubles, Menendez retains his innocence and has refused to resign from Congress. He was charged alongside his wife and three businessmen, one of whom has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against the others at trial.

The indictment accuses Menendez of using his influence to secure business deals for associates in Egypt and Qatar. Menendez held a powerful position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before his arrest last fall.