Menendez requests that trial be moved to DC

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) is arguing his corruption case should be moved from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., because jurors in his home state will be prejudiced by the publicity surrounding the case.

Menendez’s lawyers said “leaks by ‘law enforcement officials’ ” ahead of the senator’s indictment created a media stir that led to almost “100 reporters and photographers” covering his initial court date.

{mosads}“Every court proceeding, let alone every day of the trial, will result in more of the same,” Menendez’s filing says.

“No matter what additional steps are taken in any selection process, it is just obvious that it will be easier to seat a jury without strong views in support of or against Senator Menendez outside of the state.”

The senator’s side also argues that the allegations against him had no true connection to New Jersey, outside of the fact that he represents the state in the Senate, and that the majority of the “official acts” in question occurred in Washington.

The lawyers added that a trial in D.C. would allow Menendez to continue to serve in the Senate without substantial interruption, and the location would be more convenient for witnesses.

Federal prosecutors charged Menendez on 14 counts, including conspiracy to commit bribery, in April. They argue that Menendez helped Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist and political donor, secure visas for his foreign girlfriends and pressed the Obama administration to ease up on a Medicare fraud investigation involving Melgen, in exchange for gifts.

Melgen’s gifts to Menendez allegedly included free flights on his private jet, hotel accommodations, and donations to the senator’s campaign and legal defense fund. Melgen been charged in connection with both of these allegations and for Medicare fraud, and remains in prison, according to the recent filing. 

Menendez has argued that Melgen is a longtime friend and that he did nothing wrong.