CNN
 — 

A key prosecution witness in Sen. Bob Menendez’s federal corruption trial testified Friday, simply minutes after taking the stand, that he bribed the New Jersey Democrat.

Requested by federal prosecutor Lara Pomerantz if he had ever dedicated a federal crime that included bribery of a public official, New Jersey businessman Jose Uribe responded, “Sure I’ve,” and added “Sen. Robert Menendez” when requested to specify whom.

Uribe, who was indicted alongside Menendez, pleaded responsible to seven counts in March and is testifying within the trial as a part of his cooperation settlement with prosecutors.

Menendez and his spouse, Nadine, together with New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, are accused of participating in a bribery scheme and appearing as international brokers for the Egyptian authorities. All 4 have pleaded not responsible. Nadine Menendez will likely be tried individually this summer time.

Uribe stated Friday that he bribed the senator “with different individuals” earlier than figuring out Hana within the courtroom.

Uribe stated he “offered” a automobile for Nadine Menendez with the intention to use “the ability and affect” of her husband to assist him get a “higher decision” for considered one of his associates, who was being charged in a felony matter. That affiliate was Elvis Parra, who had been indicted on insurance coverage fraud expenses.

Prosecutors allege that in alternate for that automobile, Bob Menendez agreed to try to affect the New Jersey state felony prosecution and one other associated investigation.

Former New Jersey Legal professional Basic Gurbir Grewal testified earlier this week a few cellphone name and a gathering with the senator, who, he stated, introduced up the case in opposition to Parra.

However Grewal stated he was indirectly requested to become involved. He additionally stated the senator by no means explicitly named any defendants within the case he expressed concern about.