Judge denies trial delay request from Menendez co-defendant

NEWARK, N.J. – A federal judge in New Jersey has denied a request by Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez’s co-defendant to delay their upcoming trial on corruption charges.

Judge William Walls ruled against eye doctor Salomon Melgen’s request Wednesday to delay the September trial.

Melgen wanted to delay the trial for a month so his lawyers could focus on his scheduled Aug. 11 sentencing on Medicare fraud charges. He was convicted in Florida in May.

Melgen and Menendez face trial in September on bribery and conspiracy charges. Menendez is charged with accepting campaign donations and gifts from Melgen in exchange for using his position to advance Melgen’s business interests.

Menendez has said his actions were part of routine legislative duties and protected by the U.S. Constitution.