In a significant development, the jury in the federal corruption trial of Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and his associates, Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, found Menendez guilty on all charges after a complex nine-week trial in Manhattan.
The charges stem from allegations that Menendez accepted bribes in exchange for using his influence to benefit foreign governments. The jury deliberated for three days before reaching their verdict.
Menendez, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, now faces the possibility of a sentence exceeding 200 years in prison, though such a severe sentence is considered unlikely. The judge has scheduled his sentencing for October 29.
Following the verdict, Menendez expressed his disappointment and reiterated his innocence. “I am deeply disappointed in the decision,” Menendez stated outside the courtroom, maintaining that he “never violated a public oath” and had “never been a foreign agent.” His attorneys have announced plans to appeal the verdict.
Prosecutors held a brief press conference after the verdict. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damien Williams, emphasized the severity of the corruption involved.
“This case has always been about shocking levels of corruption. This wasn’t politics as usual, this was politics for profit,” Williams said. “Years of selling [Menendez’s] office for profit has finally come to an end.”
In response to the guilty verdict, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy both called for Menendez to resign.
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.” Murphy echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the fair trial and due process Menendez received and reiterating his call for the senator’s immediate resignation.
During the trial, federal prosecutor Paul Monteleoni urged jurors to hold Menendez accountable, describing the case as a “classic case of corruption on a massive scale.” Prosecutors presented emails, text messages, and FBI testimony to demonstrate that Menendez accepted extravagant gifts from foreign governments, including over $100,000 worth of gold bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash hidden throughout his New Jersey home.
Menendez faced 18 counts related to a multiyear bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. An 18-page indictment, wrapped into his existing charges, detailed allegations of acting as a foreign agent and accepting bribes to use his senatorial power for the benefit of the Egyptian government.
The indictment followed co-defendant Jose Uribe’s plea deal, in which Uribe agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. The charges against Menendez included conspiracy, bribery, acting as a foreign agent, extortion, and wire fraud.
