Source: The New York Times
Details: Menendez, the former chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and one of the most influential Democrats in Washington, was found guilty of a long-standing bribery scheme that involved receiving gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz car, and more than $480,000 in cash, which the FBI discovered in closets and clothing during a search of his home in New Jersey in 2022. According to the investigation, these bribes were provided in exchange for promoting the interests of businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
Verbatim: "The testimony and evidence presented in court showed that Mr. Menendez and his wife conspired during secret dinners and encrypted calls."
Details: In July 2024, a jury found Menendez guilty on all 16 counts, including extortion, obstruction of justice, and acting as an unregistered foreign agent. The prosecution sought a 15-year prison sentence, while the defense described this demand as "vindictive and cruel."
Two co-defendants, businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also found guilty. Daibes was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined $1.75 million. Hana received a sentence of just over eight years and a fine of $1.3 million.
Menendez has denied his guilt and plans to appeal the verdict.
The court postponed the start of Menendez's sentence until early June so he could attend the trial of his wife.
Background:
- In September 2023, he, his wife Nadine, and three New Jersey businessmen were charged in a corruption scheme related to the interests of Egypt and Qatar. After the guilty verdict in July 2024, Menendez resigned from his position as senator in August of the same year.
- Prosecutors stated that Menendez abused the powers of his office to protect his allies from criminal investigations and enrich partners, including his wife. To do this, he notably met with representatives of Egyptian intelligence and assisted Cairo in accessing multi-million dollar U.S. military aid.
- Previously, Menendez had stated that he plans to run for senator again as an independent candidate. The law allows him to do so even if he is sentenced to prison time.