Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial begins, his second in the last decade

By LARRY NEUMEISTER
Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The corruption trial of Sen. Bob Menendez has begun in Manhattan federal court as dozens of prospective jurors who claimed jury service would be a hardship were questioned one by one over a six-hour stretch. The questioning by a judge was to continue Tuesday. The 70-year-old Democrat is accused of accepting bribes of gold and cash to use his influence to aid three New Jersey businessmen. Two are on trial with him. A third is cooperating and has agreed to testify at a trial that could stretch to July. Menendez has pleaded not guilty to charges including bribery, extortion and fraud. His wife will be tried separately.