Sen. Menendez Fights 'Outrageously False' Charges, Seeks Dismissal

Defense argues constitutional immunity in bribery and foreign agent allegations, trial set for May 5.

Sen. Bob Menendez is seeking dismissal of charges including bribery, with his lawyers arguing that the claims made by New York federal prosecutors are 'outrageously false' and 'distort reality'.
Menendez and his wife pleaded not guilty after being charged last fall with accepting bribes of gold bars, cash and a luxury car in return for help that would benefit three New Jersey businessmen.
The indictment against Menendez has been updated to include charges alleging that he used his political influence to secretly advance Egypt’s interests and acted favorably to Qatar’s government to aid a businessman.
Menendez's lawyers argue that their client’s conduct was 'constitutionally immune' and could not serve as the basis for criminal charges.
Menendez was forced to step down from his powerful post leading the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after he was charged in September.