The bribery trial of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez has been postponed until mid-May by a federal judge in Manhattan. Originally scheduled for an earlier start, the trial’s delay allows additional preparation time following discussions among the legal teams involved. Senator Menendez is accused alongside two businessmen of accepting extravagant gifts in return for political favors.

Menendez’s wife, Nadine Menendez, who has pleaded not guilty, will face a separate trial, which has also been postponed due to medical reasons. Among the accused businessmen, one has already pleaded guilty to charges of bribery and is set to testify against the others in the upcoming trial.

This legal situation has led Senator Menendez to step down as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His legal defense may argue that he was unaware of any illegal activities allegedly involving his wife, questioning his criminal intent. Further developments and details will be monitored as the trial progresses.