U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine Menendez both pleaded not guilty in federal court Wednesday morning, less than one week after both were charged in a stunning corruption indictment that has shaken New Jersey politics and placed the senator's political future in jeopardy.
Arriving together but sitting in the courtroom flanked by their lawyers, both entered the not guilty pleas through their attorneys. Businessmen Fred Daibes and Jose Uribe pleaded not guilty as well.
It's the second corruption indictment in less than a decade for the senator. In a 2017 corruption case, a federal jury in Newark deadlocked and the judge declared a mistrial.
Menendez was released on a $100,000 personal appearance bond. His wife was released on a $250,000. The senator can travel internationally for official business but had to relinquish his personal passport.
Menendez has stepped aside as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is facing bipartisan calls to resign.