Sen. Bob Menendez Found Guilty in Federal Corruption Trial, Including Acting as Foreign Agent
Sen. Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, has been found guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial. The charges included bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction.
Federal prosecutors in New York accused Menendez of accepting bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, mortgage payments, and other valuables in exchange for his political influence. The alleged recipients of these favors included three New Jersey businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Two co-defendants, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also found guilty on all charges they faced.
After 13 hours of deliberation over three days, the jury reached its verdict. Menendez, who plans to appeal, expressed disappointment and denied acting as a foreign agent, asserting his patriotism and denying any violation of his oath.
Amid calls for his resignation from political figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Cory Booker, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Menendez has not indicated whether he will step down. His sentencing is scheduled for October 29, and he faces a potential decades-long prison term.
The Senate Ethics Committee, which had initiated an investigation into Menendez’s conduct when the allegations surfaced, is set to conclude its probe and will consider possible disciplinary actions, including expulsion and censure.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, whose office led the prosecution, emphasized the gravity of the corruption, highlighting that Menendez sold his position for personal gain, thereby undermining public trust and the rule of law. Prosecutors detailed how Menendez accepted substantial bribes, including gold bars, cash, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible, in exchange for various political favors.
During the trial, the defense attempted to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case, describing it as “cherry-picked nonsense” and asserting that Menendez’s actions were within the scope of his official duties. Menendez declined to testify, maintaining that the government had failed to prove its case.
The trial also involved allegations that Menendez used his influence to benefit Egypt and other entities in exchange for lavish rewards. Prosecutors presented evidence of substantial cash and gold bars found in Menendez’s home, implicating Hana and Daibes, who also faced charges. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who has been charged separately, is battling breast cancer and will be tried in August.
This case marks the second time Menendez has faced federal corruption charges, with the first ending in a mistrial in 2018. Despite the conviction, he has filed to run as an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey.