Senator Menendez Enters a Plea of Not Guilty for Obstruction of Justice Charges

Senator Bob Menendez, representing New Jersey, entered a plea of not guilty on Monday in response to a new indictment charging him with obstruction of justice. This comes as the Democrat lawmaker’s corruption trial approaches.

The plea was made during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein in Manhattan.

Last year, Menendez was accused of accepting bribes from New Jersey businessmen to hinder law enforcement investigations they were facing, as well as illegally serving as an agent of the Egyptian government. Menendez previously pleaded not guilty to these allegations.

A new indictment on March 5 alleged that in 2023, Menendez, through his former legal representatives, falsely conveyed to federal prosecutors in Manhattan that he believed mortgage and car payments made by two businessmen for his wife were loans, not bribes.

Despite calls for resignation, Menendez has refused to step down, even from fellow Democrats. He temporarily relinquished his role as chair of the Senate’s foreign relations committee after being charged last year.

The upcoming trial on May 6 will include Menendez, his wife Nadine Menendez, and the businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, all of whom also pleaded not guilty on Monday.