Menendez Denied New Trial, Faces Sentencing

Former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez's request for a new trial was denied by U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein, despite claims that jurors were exposed to improper evidence during deliberations. Menendez was convicted in July on 16 charges, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt, and faces sentencing on January 29. Prosecutors acknowledged that nine exhibits were improperly redacted but argued the error did not affect the jury's decision, which Judge Stein agreed with, stating it was 'extraordinarily unlikely' the jury saw or were influenced by the material. Menendez's defense argued that the unredacted material was crucial to the prosecution's case, but Stein noted that the defense had waived their right to object by not reviewing the evidence thoroughly before the jury deliberations. Prosecutors are recommending a 15-year prison sentence, while Menendez's defense suggests a sentence of less than two years.