(PatriotPostNews.com) – The corruption trial of a Democratic lawmaker recently featured a personal friend of the defendant on the witness stand.
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez is facing federal charges of corruption for the second time in his career. During the first trial, Philip Sellinger funded the lawmaker’s defense fund $10,000 every year until he was acquitted of the charges. A decade later, Sellinger—who subsequently became the top prosecutor for the state of New Jersey, thanks to Menendez’s help—is testifying to events that are now under scrutiny in the senator’s second trial.
Sellinger became the lead federal prosecutor in the Garden State when President Joe Biden took office in 2020, returning the White House to Democratic control. Last month, the attorney’s in-court testimony shed light on Menendez’s influence in the nation’s capital and the state of New Jersey, and how others are willing to engage in similarly controversial behavior.
Menendez is on trial for charges related to bribery and falsely presenting himself as a foreign agent with the Egyptian government, in benefit to the government of Qatar. He is being prosecuted with Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, two businessmen from New Jersey, who are accused of participating in the conspiracy. The senator’s wife, Nadine, was also allegedly involved. All four of the indicted defendants have submitted not guilty pleas.
According to Sellinger’s testimony, Menendez used his friendship to both lift the attorney up professionally and keep another friend from being investigated for bribery. New York prosecutors have not alleged that Sellinger is guilty of any crime. However, his testimony regarding one meeting conflicted with the story of a separate witness, Menendez’s aide, Michael Soliman.
The senator’s first trial a decade ago involved his donor and friend Salomon Melgen, who reportedly received favors from Menendez after funding expenses for the lawmaker. Menendez denied wrongdoing, saying the money was from a personal friendship rather than campaign funds. Eventually, a mistrial resulted from a 10-2 jury vote for acquittal, and prosecutors did not retry the case.
Copyright 2024, PatriotPostNews.com
