Sen. Bob Menendez's wife and co-defendant seeks delay in corruption trial, citing health issues

Nadine Menenedez, the wife of Sen. Bob Menendez, wants to postpone their upcoming corruption trial because of health issues.

Attorneys for Nadine Menendez asked Judge Sidney Stein in a court filing Tuesday to delay the May 6 trial, citing an unspecified “serious medical condition.” Menendez, who is a co-defendant in the case, will need a “surgical procedure” and follow-up treatment, her attorneys wrote.

“Given her medical circumstances, Ms. Menendez is not able to assist her counsel in preparing for trial in the next four weeks,” one of her attorneys, David Schertler, wrote in the legal filing. “Nor would Ms. Menendez be in a physical or psychological condition to participate in a six-week trial beginning on May 6, 2024.”

Bob Menendez is accused by federal prosecutors of using his office to help foreign governments and New Jersey businesspeople in exchange for cash, gold bars and a luxury vehicle. Nadine Menendez also allegedly received home mortgage payments and a low- or no-show job in exchange for favors arranged by her husband. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Nadine Menendez’s lawyers recently requested to withdraw from representing her in the case. Bob Menendez has said he will consider an independent run for reelection to the Senate upon being “exonerated” from his charges.