Senator Bob Menendez Found Guilty in Bribery Scheme

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty on 16 counts related to a bribery scheme in which he accepted gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz, and other gifts in exchange for aiding foreign governments. The verdict was reached after more than 12 hours of jury deliberation over three days, concluding a nine-week trial.

Menendez, once the head of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee, now faces the possibility of decades in prison. Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have urged him to resign. "Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," Schumer stated.

Despite the conviction, Menendez maintains his innocence. Speaking outside the New York City courthouse, he declared, "I never violated my public oath. I have never been but a patriot of my country and for my country." His lawyer, Adam Fee, expressed disappointment with the verdict and announced plans to appeal.

Prosecutors painted a picture of severe corruption, with Damian Williams from the Southern District of New York stating, "This wasn't politics as usual, this was politics for profit." Evidence presented during the trial included over $480,000 in cash found in Menendez's home and gold bars worth over $100,000. 

Menendez’s wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, also faces related charges, but her trial has been postponed due to her breast cancer treatment. She has pleaded not guilty.

Additionally, businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes were convicted alongside Menendez, while a third businessman, Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty and testified against him. Prosecutors argued that Menendez used his position to secure U.S. aid for Egypt and influence criminal investigations for personal gain.

Menendez, running as an independent in the upcoming November election, has lost the support of many state Democrats since the indictment's release. Congressman Andy Kim called for his immediate resignation, stating, "The people of New Jersey deserve better."

This is not Menendez's first encounter with corruption charges. In 2017, he faced allegations of accepting luxury gifts in exchange for political favors, but the trial ended in a mistrial.