SDNY COURTHOUSE, Jan 16 – Amid reports of investigation against Sen. Robert Menendez for taking gold bars, Inner City Press' sources on September 21 it to expect on Friday, September 22 an appearance in Federal court in Manhattan by Menendez and his wife Nadine Arslanian. This scoop was true.
Later a superseder was unveiled, including charges of bribes to act for Qatar.
On January 10 Menendez filed a motion to dismiss, arguing "the government shockingly fails to disclose the exculpatory fact that [REDACTED]." Full filing on Patreon here
On February 1, Judge Stein granted some unsealing - including of some of the material in the vault which Inner City Press requested. Order here.
Jump cut: Menendez et al were convicted; Inner City Press published a book, here.
On December 30, Nadine's trial was moved to February 5, but Bob's January 29 sentencing was reaffirmed (Hana wants January 31).
Sources tell Inner City Press that after Nadine Menendez's last court appearance she walked out to Centre Street to find an Uber...
Hana's lawyer asked for a delay to January 31; on January 2, Daibes' lawyer wrote in asking for two years, while Probation recommends nine years.
Near midnight on January 2 Menendez' lawyers wrote in claim is his guideline is 21 to 27 months and that Judge Stein "should consider alternatives to incarceration." The US wants 15 years, see below.
On January 7 Hana through counsel asked for one year or less; Nadine Menendez re-asked for a delay in trial, with one sealed letter and another by jury consultant Jo-Ellan Dimitrius.
Docketed on January 9, the US Attorney's Office opposed any delay for Nadine: "she has a right to decline to enter into stipulations, in which case the Government will be prepared to call numerous additional witnesses, which will materially lengthen the trial." Letter on Patreon here
On January 9, the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking on Bob Menendez for 15 years, 10 on Daibes and nine on Hana.
On January 13 the US wrote in that Nadine's lawyer says he is "extremely loath to stipulate in criminal cases" - necessitating 90 witnesses and ten weeks.
On January 16 Inner City Press went to the final pre-trial conference; Nadine Menendez was there. From the thread
Defense lawyer: We have an expert from CUNY who will testify that such gifts are common in the Middle East.
Judge Stein: Friends don't give friends gold bars.
Defense: Ms. Menendez is still impacted by where she grew up-
AUSA: Five decades ago
Afterward, "The government shall file its motion regarding defense experts by January 21, 2025, defendant's response to the motion is due by January 28, 2025."
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