In a recent development regarding the bribery trial of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a New York federal judge, Sidney H. Stein, has rejected a defense request to delay the start of jury selection from May to July. This decision means that the trial will proceed as scheduled on May 5 in Manhattan. Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, is facing trial along with his wife and three New Jersey businessmen. All defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of engaging in a bribery conspiracy that allegedly enriched the senator and his wife with cash, gold bars, and a luxury car. Additionally, Menendez, his wife, and one of the businessmen have also pleaded not guilty to a charge of conspiring to illegally use the senator as an agent of the Egyptian government.

The defense lawyers for Menendez had requested the delay in order to have more time to prepare for the trial. They cited the overwhelming amount of evidence, including over 6.7 million documents, that they need to sift through. They also argued that the complexity of the case requires extra time to address legal questions that may arise. However, prosecutors opposed the request, stating that they had already warned the defense about the voluminous evidence that would be turned over. They argued that nothing had changed since the trial date was set in the fall and that the original May 5 date was appropriate.

In his order, Judge Stein agreed with the prosecutors, stating that the evidence turned over by the government was consistent with the amount of material they had projected would be involved in the trial. This decision comes after Menendez gave up his position as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following his arrest in September. Despite calls for him to resign from his Senate seat, Menendez has resisted stepping down.

Menendez's lawyers declined to comment on Judge Stein's order. However, it is worth noting that defense lawyers have previously stated their intention to ask the judge to dismiss the indictment on multiple grounds, including constitutional and sufficiency reasons, as well as arguing that the New York federal court is the wrong venue for the trial.

Prosecutors, on the other hand, urged the judge to reject Menendez's request for a delay, emphasizing that the original trial date was reasonable and in line with the public interest in a speedy trial. They argued that the amount of evidence turned over to the defense should not be a reason to delay the trial, as it was consistent with what was promised during the first conference in October.

As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom as the bribery conspiracy charges against Menendez and his co-defendants are examined. The trial will not only determine the fate of the senator but also shed light on the alleged bribery scheme and the extent of his involvement with the Egyptian government.