NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The defense in the bribery trial of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and a wealthy friend has rested its case.
The trial is in its ninth week. Closing arguments are expected to take place later this week. Neither defendant testified.
Menendez is charged with accepting free flights on a private jet and other gifts from Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen (MEHL-gehn) in exchange for political influence. The two men deny any bribery arrangement.
The most serious charge against the two men carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.
Earlier Monday, the judge denied a mistrial request by defense attorneys, who accused the judge of unfairly limiting what evidence or witnesses they could present.
