Senator Bob Menendez is on the path to a public-corruption trial, facing the challenge of proving his innocence while inadvertently placing his wife, Nadine Menendez, at risk.

The New Jersey Democrat is accused, along with his spouse and three businessmen, in a bribery scheme involving the exchange of illicit gifts like gold bars, cash, and a new Mercedes-Benz convertible for favors, including those benefiting foreign governments.

All five individuals have entered pleas of not guilty and are scheduled for a joint trial in a New York federal court on May 6.

However, both Menendez and his wife are pursuing separate trials to prevent harm to each other’s defense. A judge is expected to decide on this unusual request in the coming weeks, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Menendez argues that being tried alongside his wife violates his marital rights and could potentially create a conflict between them, especially if he chooses to testify and discusses their private communications that might help his case but harm hers.

For instance, as suggested by former federal prosecutor Howard Master, Menendez might testify that his wife did not inform him that alleged bribes she received were in exchange for any official action.

Prosecutors have contended that all five defendants should face trial together, dismissing Menendez and his wife’s claims of potential harm in a joint trial as vague speculation.

They argue that holding multiple trials would be an inefficient use of resources.

Written by B.C. Begley