In a fiery conclusion to the trial, Sen. Bob Menendez’s defense attorney Adam Fee delivered his closing arguments, emphasizing that the case against the New Jersey Democrat was weak and lacked substantial evidence. Fee adamantly asserted that Menendez was simply performing his duties as an elected official and had not engaged in any corrupt activities. Fee urged the jury to acquit the senator, stating, “Resist the temptation to pick a salacious story about a corrupt politician because it’s not there.”
Throughout the nine-week trial, Menendez and his co-defendants, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, faced accusations of participating in a bribery scheme to advance Egyptian military interests, interfere in criminal prosecutions, and secure investments from Qatari officials. The prosecution alleged that Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, received various bribes, including cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes Benz convertible in exchange for political favors.
Menendez’s defense team called five witnesses to testify on his behalf, but notably did not call the senator himself to the stand. Despite the prosecution’s efforts to paint a picture of corruption, Fee argued that the evidence presented was merely speculative and lacked credibility.
Federal prosecutor Paul Monteleoni concluded the closing arguments by emphasizing the scale of corruption allegedly perpetrated by Menendez. Monteleoni highlighted the role of Jose Uribe, a businessman who admitted to bribing the senator for legal favors. Uribe testified that he gifted Nadine Menendez a Mercedes-Benz convertible in exchange for the senator’s intervention in criminal investigations. Monteleoni stressed that Menendez was aware and involved in the corrupt dealings, challenging the defense’s claims of ignorance on the senator’s part.
In response, Fee disputed Uribe’s credibility, describing him as a “good liar” who embellished his testimony. Fee argued that Uribe’s statements were inconsistent and lacked credibility, attempting to cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative.
As the trial came to a close, the fate of Sen. Bob Menendez now rests in the hands of the jury, who must weigh the evidence presented throughout the proceedings to determine the senator’s innocence or guilt.
