
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) was found guilty on all 16 counts of bribery, fraud, and extortion by a jury after nearly 10 weeks of testimony and three days of deliberation. The charges stem from accusations that Menendez accepted bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, and other valuables in exchange for political favors.
If sentenced to the maximum for each charge, Menendez could face up to 200 years in prison. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the trial, the jury was not convinced by his defense team’s explanations, which they deemed implausible and self-serving.
Menendez has refused to resign from his position as New Jersey’s senior senator. He argued that he was merely trying to help his wife’s friends and claimed to be unaware of his wife Nadine’s involvement in the crimes.
The investigation revealed that Menendez hid bribes, including over $480,000 in cash and gold bars, at his home. Federal prosecutors presented evidence, including photos of the concealed cash and gold bars. Some envelopes containing the cash had fingerprints and DNA linking them to a businessman, Wael Hana, and his driver.
In one instance, Menendez ghostwrote a letter advocating for the release of $300 million in aid to Egypt, which he then sent through his wife to Egyptian officials. Menendez was also accused of attempting to influence the prosecution of Fred Daibes in exchange for additional bribes, including a Mercedes-Benz for his wife.
Following the verdict, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) called for Menendez to resign. Schumer stated, “In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign.”
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, whose office prosecuted the case, emphasized the significance of the conviction. “This case has always been about shocking levels of corruption,” Williams said. “Menendez’s years of selling his office to the highest bidder have finally come to an end.”
Menendez’s legal team announced plans to appeal the verdict. Nadine Menendez, his wife, is set to face similar charges in a separate trial starting in August.