Jury reaches verdict in in Sen. Bob Menendez trial

NEW YORK — Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ, has been found guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial. 

ABC News reported that prosecutors alleged Menendez had been accepting bribes. 

When the FBI searched his home, they found several gold bars and over $400,000 in cash hidden within clothing items. ABC reported that the prosecutors said the bribes had been paid in cash, gold bars, mortgage payments, and more. 

The senator was convicted on all 16 counts that he was charged with. They included bribery, extortion, wire fraud, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent, according to CNN. 

During the trial, prosecutors argued that the senator utilized his power to advance the military interests and invest in Egypt and Qatar. 

Two other businessmen were also charged. The co-defendants, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also found guilty. 

Menendez had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. CNN reported that when the first guilty verdict was read, he “appeared to shake his head.” As the jury finished, he leaned onto the table. 

Menendez could face a maximum of 222 years in prison if the charges were to be served consecutively. However, though the sentences are likely to run concurrently, the court has not ordered any different. 

Nadine Menendez trial postponed 

Menendez’s wife, Nadine, was also charged in the case. However, NBC News reported that her trial has been delayed indefinitely. She has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer. 

In June, Menendez’s attorney wrote that she had been experiencing chronic pain associated with her cancer treatment.

Related:

• Sen. Bob Menendez was indicted Friday, what does this mean?
• New Jersey governor calls on Sen. Bob Menendez, a fellow Democrat, to resign