Federal investigators discovered over $480,000 in cash and 13 gold bars worth over $100,000 at Senator Bob Menendez’s New Jersey home during a search in June 2022. Following his corruption charges, Menendez explained that he had been withdrawing cash from his savings account for emergencies for 30 years, a habit influenced by his family’s experience in Cuba. His attorneys revealed that Menendez suffered from intergenerational trauma due to his family’s financial losses in Cuba and his father’s suicide after accruing gambling debts. A psychiatrist evaluated Menendez and identified a mental condition related to these traumas, resulting in a fear of scarcity and the habit of storing cash in his home.
Prosecutors, objecting to the proposed testimony of the psychiatrist, argued that her conclusions lacked scientific basis and were an attempt to gain sympathy from the jury. They called for Menendez to be examined by a separate psychiatrist if the judge allows Rosenbaum to testify. Menendez’s trial is scheduled to begin on May 13, with charges alleging that he and his wife accepted bribes to benefit New Jersey businessmen and the government of Egypt. Subsequent indictments accused the couple of conspiring to act as foreign agents, accepting gifts in exchange for favorable comments, and obstructing the investigation into the corruption scheme. Menendez and his wife have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutors revealed in a court filing that envelopes containing cash and gold bars found in Menendez’s possession were linked to the New Jersey businessmen involved in the case. They also noted that some cash had been withdrawn in amounts over $10,000 from a bank where the couple did not have an account, indicating it was provided to them by another party. Menendez suggested he might incriminate his wife during the trial, as she will be tried separately due to a medical condition requiring surgery. His lawyers indicated that Menendez may testify about communications with his wife that demonstrate her withholding of information or leading him to believe no unlawful activity was taking place.
The case against Menendez has raised questions about his financial practices and the source of the large sums of cash and gold bars found in his possession. His defense team has attributed his habit of storing cash to intergenerational trauma and mental health conditions resulting from past family experiences. Prosecutors have challenged the credibility of these explanations, arguing that they lack scientific basis and are an attempt to manipulate the jury. With the trial approaching, the judge will decide whether to allow the psychiatrist’s testimony and whether Menendez will be examined by a separate mental health expert.
