Menendez Seeks New Trial After Evidence Error

Former Senator Bob Menendez has requested a federal judge to vacate his corruption conviction and order a new trial, citing improper evidence shown to jurors during deliberations. Prosecutors recently disclosed that nine exhibits containing unredacted material were inadvertently uploaded to a laptop used by the jury, which could have unfairly influenced their verdict. Menendez's lawyers argue that this breach undermines the integrity of the trial, as the evidence was critical to allegations that he accepted bribes in exchange for military aid to Egypt. Despite prosecutors' claim that the error was harmless and that defense counsel had an opportunity to review the evidence beforehand, Menendez's team contends that the unredacted documents were central to the charges against him. Alongside Menendez, two co-defendants are also seeking new trials based on the same grounds. Sentencing for Menendez is scheduled for January 29, 2025.