NEW YORK (AP) — Four defendants in the criminal bribery case against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez pleaded not guilty Wednesday in New York City to a revised indictment alleging that the senator, his wife and a third defendant conspired to use him as an agent of the Egyptian government. The defendants entering the pleas included his wife, Nadine Menendez, and a businessman, Wael Hana. The earlier indictment charged Menendez and his wife with participating in a bribery conspiracy by accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen who wanted the senator's help and influence over foreign affairs. The new charge against the trio alleges that they conspired to take a series of steps on behalf of Egypt, including for Egyptian military and intelligence officials, from January 2018 to June 2022. In a statement last week, Menendez said he will “show my innocence” at trial.

---

Persons: U.S . Sen, Bob Menendez, Nadine Menendez, Wael Hana, Hana, Menendez, Sidney H, Stein, Daniel Richenthal, Lawrence Lustberg, ” Lustberg, Richenthal, Lustberg, Prosecutors Organizations: —, U.S ., Senate Foreign, U.S Locations: New York City, Manhattan, Jersey, Egypt