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.
Prosecutors accused the Democrat of misusing his position to protect allies from legal actions and benefit associates, including his wife, by engaging with Egyptian intelligence officials and aiding in Egypt’s access to U.S. military aid.
Menendez, 70, listened to the jury and took notes as the verdict was delivered. His team plans to appeal the decision.
“I have always been a patriot of my country and have never acted as a foreign agent,” Menendez stated.
Menendez chose not to testify during the trial but maintained that he was fulfilling his duties as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman. He claimed that the gold bars found in his home belonged to his wife, Nadine Menendez, who was also charged but had postponed her trial due to health reasons.
The guilty verdict just before the upcoming election may hinder Menendez’s chances for reelection as an independent candidate.
Following the verdict, several Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New Jersey Senator Corey Booker, and the party’s nominee Rep. Andy Kim, called for Menendez’s resignation.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy suggested that the Senate remove Menendez if he does not resign. Expulsion would require a two-thirds majority vote, which has not happened in over a century.
Menendez faces a potential lengthy prison sentence when he is sentenced on October 29. He was convicted on 16 counts, with some carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years.
This trial was Menendez’s second corruption trial, with the previous one in 2017 resulting in a deadlock.
The jury also convicted two co-defendants, New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes. A third businessman, Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty and testified against the co-defendants.
The trial included a 2022 FBI raid on Menendez’s home, where gold bars, cash, and a luxury car were seized as evidence of bribery. Defense argued that the gold belonged to Menendez’s wife, who had financial problems unbeknownst to the senator.
Allegations also surfaced regarding Menendez using his position to benefit Egypt, actions prosecutors claimed made him a foreign agent of Egypt.
Menendez’s political career began in 1974, leading up to his election as a U.S. senator in 2006. He has faced multiple legal battles, being the first U.S. senator indicted twice.
After his second indictment, Menendez faced accusations of using his influence to benefit a politically influential real estate developer and taking actions to favor Qatar’s government.
Despite his claims of persecution, Menendez is now facing the consequences of his actions as the verdict marks an end to his corrupt practices.
