Sen. Menendez Seeks Overturn of Bribery Conviction

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and two New Jersey businessmen have requested that a federal judge vacate their convictions or grant a new trial following a bribery trial. Menendez, convicted on 16 counts including bribery and acting as a foreign agent, claimed prosecutors failed to prove their case and violated his constitutional protections under the 'speech or debate' clause. His defense argues that evidence presented was speculative and improperly included testimony from his aides. The legal team also suggests the case's high-profile nature influenced the jury's decision. Judge Sidney Stein, who presided over the two-month trial, has the authority to reverse the verdicts or order a new trial. Menendez announced his resignation from the Senate, effective Aug. 20, and is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 29.