Wednesday’s opening arguments in the bribery trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, and eye doctor Salomon Melgen focused on the extent and significance of the two men’s friendship.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Koski told the jury that Menendez’s Senate website offered assistance to constituents but advised that inquiries from residents of other states would be referred to their own state’s senators. But Menendez did not follow that policy with Melgen, a Florida resident, when he sought to advocate for the doctor’s business and personal business with executive-branch officials, Koski said.
