The trial of Senator Robert Menendez was paused on Thursday after the judge announced that one of the senator’s co-defendants, Fred Daibes, a New Jersey real estate developer, had tested positive for Covid-19.
The judge, Sidney H. Stein, said it was “the expectation and the hope of the court” that the trial could resume Monday, given revised federal Covid guidelines and depending on how quickly Mr. Daibes begins to recover.
Mr. Daibes is on trial with the senator and another defendant in a sprawling bribery conspiracy case in which prosecutors say Mr. Menendez, 70, and his wife, Nadine Menendez, 57, accepted gold, cash and a luxury car in exchange for the senator’s agreeing to dispense political favors at home and abroad.
Ms. Menendez’s trial was postponed until at least August because she is being treated for breast cancer.
All four defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Persons:
Robert Menendez, Fred Daibes, Sidney H, Stein, Daibes, Menendez, Nadine Menendez, Menendez’s
Organizations:
Disease Control
Locations:
New Jersey