Senator Robert Menendez found guilty of corruption: sentencing to be determined in October
Senator Robert Menendez, a Democrat, has been convicted of corruption, including abuse of power and bribery. The court will determine his punishment on October 29.
A Manhattan federal court has found Robert Menendez, a Democratic senator, guilty of corruption, reports Voice of America.
According to the jury's decision, the senator used his position to help his allies avoid criminal prosecution and enrich his family, including his wife Nadine.
Prosecutors claim that Menendez met with Egyptian intelligence officers and facilitated Cairo's receipt of American military aid.
For example, he facilitated the supply of ammunition for helicopters worth $99 million, which prosecutors believe is evidence of his work in Egypt's interests.
In 2022, during a search of Menendez's home and his wife's, FBI agents found gold bars worth about $150,000 and more than $480,000 in cash.
The money was hidden in shoes and clothes bearing the senator's initials. Menendez claims that the found money was earned legally and that the gold bars belong to his wife.
Despite the accusations, Menendez maintains his innocence and claims that he performed his duties as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
His lawyers emphasize that he never took bribes and that his actions in favor of businessmen were in line with his official duties.
Nadine Menendez is also charged with corruption, but her trial has been postponed due to her recovery from breast cancer surgery.
In addition to Menendez, two businessmen from New Jersey have been found guilty of corruption but also deny their guilt.
Menendez, as alleged, tried to influence investigations against businessmen Fred Daibes and Jose Uribe.
The senator pleaded not guilty to all 16 charges, including bribery, working for a foreign state, and obstructing justice.
Previously, he had faced corruption charges, but in 2017 in New Jersey, the case involved fewer violations.
After new charges were brought against him in September last year, Menendez stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but refused to resign despite pressure from fellow Democrats.
The senator's punishment will be determined on October 29.
Menendez announced his intention to run for senator as an independent candidate despite the guilty verdict.
The legislation allows him to do so even if imprisoned. However, one of the houses of Congress can strip him of his mandate if 75% of lawmakers vote for it.
The Menendez case has sparked significant public outcry and has become the subject of active discussions about corruption among high-ranking officials. The senator was a symbol of the fight against corruption, and his case may set an important precedent for future investigations.
Robert Menendez
Menendez's parents, Cuban immigrants, arrived in the United States in 1953. He graduated from Saint Peter's College in 1976 and received a law degree from Rutgers University in 1979.
From 1986 to 1992, he served as mayor of Union City, New Jersey. In 1987, Menendez was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. In 1991, he joined the New Jersey Senate, and a year later, he became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
In January 2006, Menendez took a seat in the U.S. Senate, succeeding Senator Jon Corzine, who resigned to become governor of New Jersey. In November of that year, he confirmed his powers in the elections.
From February 1, 2013, to January 3, 2015, Menendez was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.