NEWARK (AP) — A federal judge in New Jersey has heard from lawyers on whether some evidence in the corruption case against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez should be withheld for national security concerns.

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) (Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
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Prosecutors said they would notify the judge later Wednesday about what evidence they'll seek to have protected.

Among many requests, Menendez's attorneys are seeking the identity of an informant they say prompted the investigation by spreading rumors, later discredited, about the New Jersey Democrat consorting with underage prostitutes.

They say the informant may have been connected to Cuba's government. Menendez, a Cuban-American, has been critical of the Obama administration's efforts to normalize relations with Cuba.

Menendez was charged in April with conspiracy and bribery for allegedly accepting gifts from a Florida ophthalmologist in return for political favors.

A trial is set for mid-October.

 

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