NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was found guilty on all charges in his corruption trial. The charges included accepting bribes of gold and cash from three New Jersey businessmen and acting as a foreign agent for the Egyptian government.
Menendez, a Democrat, was accused of using his position to protect allies and enrich himself and his associates, including his wife. The jury found him guilty on 16 counts, which could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Menendez now faces the possibility of losing reelection as an independent.
The guilty verdict has led to calls for Menendez to resign from prominent Democrats, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
The verdict comes after a nine-week trial and a previous trial in 2017 that ended in a deadlocked jury.
Menendez’s co-defendants, New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also found guilty. Another businessman, Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty and testified against the others.
The case included allegations of bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, and a luxury car, as well as accusations of benefiting a foreign government in exchange for personal gain.
Menendez is scheduled to be sentenced on October 29. This marks the second time he has been indicted, making him the only U.S. senator to face such charges twice.
Ahead of his sentencing, Menendez and his legal team plan to appeal the verdict.
After a career in politics that began in the 1970s, Menendez now faces the potential end of his time in office due to his corruption conviction.
