NEWARK, NJ (CBS) — New Jersey’s senior US Senator will be seated at the defense table as his federal corruption trial begins with opening statements today in Newark.
Robert Menendez has been under a 14 count indictment for two years now. When that first came down, he was adamant prosecutors were making a mistake.
READ MORE: 'Big Brother' Debuts Wednesday in a Special 90-Minute Live Event“Prosecutors at the Justice Department don’t know the difference between friendship and corruption and have chosen to twist my duties as a
Senator and my friendship into something that is improper,” Menendez said at the time.
READ MORE: Philadelphia Seeking Someone To Open Restaurant At Former LOVE Park Welcome CenterThe accusation? That he traded favorable treatment on behalf of a wealthy Florida ophthalmologist in return for political contributions and first class travel.
Dr. Salomon Melgen, the friend in this scenario, is also on trial in Newark.
MORE NEWS: Suspect Accused Of Shooting Into Northeast Philadelphia Bar, Killing 21-Year-Old Woman ArrestedThis will be the first test of a recent Supreme Court ruling that makes it more difficult to convict a politician of bribery.