Bob Menendez Convicted on All Charges in Dramatic Corruption Trial

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was convicted on all 16 counts in his corruption trial, including bribery, completing his downfall. The trial revealed schemes involving cash, gold bars, and favors for businessmen. Menendez, once a powerful figure, faces sentencing in October, just before his re-election bid.

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was convicted on Tuesday on all 16 criminal counts, including bribery, at his corruption trial, marking the downfall of the once-powerful New Jersey Democrat. A Manhattan federal court jury deliberated over 12 hours across three days, concluding a nine-week trial.

Judge Sidney Stein set Menendez's sentencing for Oct. 29, just a week before the Nov. 5 election where Menendez is running as an independent for another Senate term. Despite pleading not guilty, Menendez faced counts of acting as a foreign agent and obstructing justice.

The trial exposed elaborate bribery schemes where Menendez and his wife received cash, gold bars, and other benefits to steer American aid to Egypt and influence criminal probes. Menendez's co-defendants, businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also convicted. Defense attorneys argued Menendez’s actions were standard senatorial advocacy.