Senator Bob Menendez has been convicted in a corruption trial for bribery and acting as an illegal foreign agent.
Mr. Menendez, a Democrat and former head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was found guilty of using his position to benefit himself and others, including his wife. He now faces the possibility of spending decades in prison.
During the trial, prosecutors alleged that the senator accepted lavish gifts, such as gold bars, a Mercedes Benz, and $40,000 in cash, while also assisting the Egyptian and Qatari governments. The trial lasted nine weeks and concluded after 12 hours of deliberation over three days.
Accusations were also made against New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, who were convicted alongside Mr. Menendez for offering bribes. Another businessman, who has pleaded not guilty, was also involved in the case.
Mr. Menendez’s wife, Nadine Menendez, who has pleaded not guilty, was implicated in the scandal as well. However, her trial has been postponed indefinitely due to her battle with breast cancer.
Despite the charges, Mr. Menendez, who has been a public servant for half a century and a senator since 2006, maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the conviction. He expressed disappointment with the verdict and denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the gifts he received were not in exchange for favors.
Senator Menendez has faced previous corruption allegations in 2017 related to bribery from a Florida eye doctor in exchange for political favors and luxury vacations, which resulted in a mistrial.
Sentencing for Mr. Menendez is scheduled for October 29th.
Jackson Richman contributed to this report.
