A federal judge has rejected a request to declare a mistrial in the corruption case against Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Politico reported Monday.
Lawyers for Menendez and co-defendant Salomon Melgen reportedly filed a motion for a mistrial on Sunday after a hearing last week with District Judge William Walls. The lawyers claimed Walls blocked them from introducing key evidence, including testimony from two witnesses.
{mosads}“It’s a question for this court to determine when enough is enough. It’s not a question that the court interferes with your presentation of the defense,” Walls said, according to the news outlet. “Absolutely not.”
Federal prosecutors claim that Menendez used his influence to help Melgen, and, in return, Melgen reportedly provided the senator with hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts and campaign donations.
Menendez has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.