A tearful Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) delivered an emotional speech touting a judge’s decision to declare a mistrial in his corruption case on Thursday. For Menendez, the decision is a victory after years of investigations, indictments and legal proceedings.
Speaking outside the New Jersey courthouse where he had spent recent weeks on trial, Menendez thanked his family, attorneys and voters for supporting him throughout the case, slamming as improper the government’s efforts to investigate and charge him.
“The way this case started was wrong, the way it was investigated was wrong, the way it was prosecuted was wrong and the way it was tried was wrong as well,” Menendez said. He added that the case highlighted the power the federal government has to “crush” people.
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“I’ve also learned about the incredible weight and power of the federal government and how it can crush you if it wants,” he said.
Menendez’s address came just after U.S. District Judge William Walls declared a mistrial in Menendez’s corruption and bribery case. Jurors had said for the second time in less than a week that they were deadlocked.
After the announcement, it was revealed that 10 jurors favored acquitting Menendez on the charges, while two did not.
“I want to thank the jury, 12 New Jerseyans who saw through the government’s false claims and used their Jersey common sense to reject it,” he said. “I appreciate their service, I appreciate their sacrifice.”
Jurors have to unanimously agree in order to render a verdict, meaning that Menendez and his co-defendant, Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen, were not acquitted. Federal prosecutors could choose to retry the two men.
Prosecutors alleged that Menendez received lavish gifts, vacations and political donations from Melgen in exchange for using his office to perform political and governmental favors for the wealthy doctor.
Defense attorneys, however, argued that the gifts and benefits were simply exchanges between close friends — not part of a corrupt bargain.