US Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has been convicted of bribery offenses and conspiracy to act as a foreign agent following a month-long trial.
The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, found Menendez guilty on all 16 counts, including bribery, honest services wire fraud, extortion, and obstruction of justice.
Businessmen Wael Hana, Fred Daibes, and Jose Uribe, who were implicated in the case, were also convicted on all charges against them.
According to the New York Times, prosecutors alleged that Menendez received substantial gifts and favors from the businessmen, including cash, gold bars, and a luxury car, in exchange for using his influence to benefit their interests.
Specifically, Menendez was accused of facilitating military aid for Egypt and protecting Hana’s business interests, among other favors.
In a post-trial press conference, Menendez expressed disappointment with the jury’s decision and announced plans to appeal. He vehemently denied the accusations, particularly rejecting any suggestion that he acted as a foreign agent.
US Attorney Damien Williams emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating:
“This wasn’t politics as usual; this was politics for profit. Now that a jury has convicted Bob Menendez, his years of selling his office to the highest bidder have finally come to an end.”
Reacting to the verdict, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy condemned Menendez’s actions as a betrayal of public trust and affirmed the principle of accountability under US law.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Menendez’s resignation in light of the guilty verdict, citing the severity of the charges and their implications for the Senate.
Menendez, who previously faced corruption charges in 2017 resulting in a mistrial and partial acquittal, is scheduled for sentencing on October 29.
His wife Nadine, also implicated in the case, has yet to stand trial due to health reasons.
