On Tuesday this week, Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey was found guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial. The verdict comes after a lengthy investigation and trial process.
The 70-year-old Democratic senator faced 16 federal charges, including fraud, bribery, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez accepted substantial bribes in various forms, including cash, gold bars, and a luxury vehicle, in exchange for wielding his political influence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who led the prosecution, stated,
“This case has always been about shocking levels of corruption. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes, including gold, cash, and a Mercedes-Benz. This wasn’t politics as usual; this was politics for profit.”
The jury deliberated for approximately 13 hours over three days before reaching their verdict. Two co-defendants, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also convicted on all counts they faced.
Following the verdict, Menendez expressed his disappointment and maintained his innocence.
“I have never violated my oath,” he stated outside the courthouse. “I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent.”
The conviction has led to immediate calls for Bob Menendez’s resignation from prominent figures within his own party. Senate Majority Leader Chuck 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.”
The Senate Ethics Committee has announced it will promptly complete its investigation into Menendez’s conduct and consider the full range of disciplinary actions available, including expulsion.
Bob Menendez, who has served as a senator since 2006, faces sentencing on October 29 and could potentially receive decades in prison. This is the second time he has faced corruption charges, with a previous case in 2015 ending in a mistrial.
