U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) has been found guilty on all 16 counts in a high-profile corruption trial, marking a dramatic fall for the once-powerful Democrat. The charges include bribery, extortion, fraud, and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Egypt and Qatar.Prosecutors successfully argued that Menendez abused his power as a senator, accepting bribes from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for political favors. The evidence presented included gold bars, nearly $500,000 in cash, and a Mercedes-Benz car seized from Menendez’s home. The jury deliberated for over 12 hours across three days before reaching their verdict.The conviction has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy have called for Menendez’s immediate resignation. If he refuses, there are growing calls for his expulsion from the Senate.Menendez, who is the seventh sitting U.S. senator in history to be convicted of a federal crime, faces up to 20 years in prison for some of the charges. His sentencing is scheduled for October 29.Despite the verdict, Menendez maintains his innocence and plans to appeal. ‘I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent,’ he stated. The senator’s wife, Nadine Menendez, who was also indicted, will face a separate trial due to her ongoing breast cancer treatment.This conviction comes just four months before Election Day, potentially dooming Menendez’s chances of winning re-election as an independent. The case has raised serious questions about the influence of foreign governments in U.S. politics and the ethical conduct of elected officials.
Key points
- Senator Bob Menendez convicted on all 16 counts, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent.
- Evidence included gold bars, cash, and a luxury car seized from Menendez’s home.
- Prominent Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, call for Menendez’s resignation.
- Menendez faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing set for October 29.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of charges, with most sources citing 16 counts, while one source mentioned 18 counts.
