Senator Bob Menendez has been convicted on all charges in his federal corruption trial, which include acting as a foreign agent.

 

On Tuesday, Senator Bob Menendez was convicted on all counts in his federal corruption trial. According to federal prosecutors in New York, the New Jersey Democrat received bribes totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, including cash, gold bars, and mortgage payments, in exchange for leveraging his political influence. The charges also involved three New Jersey businessmen and implicated the governments of Egypt and Qatar as recipients of the alleged bribes. Co-defendants Wael Hana and Fred Daibes were similarly found guilty on all charges after the jury deliberated for approximately 13 hours over three days.

Menendez asserted, "I have never, ever been a foreign agent," following his plea of not guilty to 16 federal charges, including bribery, fraud, and obstruction. Expressing disappointment with the jury's verdict, he intends to appeal. Outside the courthouse on Tuesday, he emphasized his fidelity to his oath and country, stating, "I have never violated my oath. I have never been anything but a patriot of my country." Menendez also expressed concern that the jury's decision could impact how Senators are perceived regarding foreign agent status. He did not comment on whether he plans to resign. Scheduled for sentencing on October 29, Menendez faces a potentially lengthy prison term.

Despite his conviction, Menendez is not obligated to resign from his position, although expulsion remains a possibility.

The Senate Ethics Committee said it will "promptly" complete the investigation into Menendez's conduct that it undertook when the allegations against him first surfaced.

The committee said it will consider the "full range of disciplinary actions available under the Rules of Procedure," which include expulsion and censure.

He is not required to resign despite his conviction, though could be expelled.

Following the verdict, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York promptly urged Menendez to resign, stating, "In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign."

Senator Cory Booker, Menendez's counterpart from New Jersey, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also joined in calling for his immediate resignation. Governor Murphy added that if Menendez declines to step down, he will advocate for the U.S. Senate to expel him.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, whose office prosecuted the case, described the outcome as revealing "shocking levels of corruption."

"Involving hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including gold, cash, and a Mercedes-Benz, this wasn't business as usual in politics; it was politics for personal profit," Williams stated in a release. "With Senator Menendez now convicted, his practice of selling his office to the highest bidder has come to an end. Corruption exacts a toll: it undermines public confidence and erodes the foundation of law. That's why we remain steadfast in combating it, irrespective of political affiliations."

Prosecutors alleged that Menendez, aged 70, had "auctioned off his authority" for gold bars, envelopes filled with money, payments to his wife for a fictitious job, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible. According to prosecutors, the FBI discovered gold bars and over $400,000 in cash concealed in various places throughout his residence, including jackets and shoes.

"It wasn't sufficient for him to wield immense influence in Washington," asserted federal prosecutor Paul Monteleoni during his closing remarks on July 8th. "Robert Menendez sought both power and personal enrichment, using his position to accumulate wealth for himself and his wife."....Read More