Menendez Found Guilty in Corruption Trial
Jury Convicts Senator on All Counts
Accusations Include Aiding Foreign Governments and Funding Lavish Lifestyle
A jury has found Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial. The indictment accused Menendez, 70, of corruptly aiding Egypt and Qatar and funding his lavish lifestyle with gifts he received.
The charges stem from an investigation that began in 2013, when Menendez was a rising star in the Democratic Party. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez used his position to help a wealthy Florida eye doctor with business dealings in Israel in exchange for campaign contributions and luxury gifts, such as a private jet trip. Menendez has denied any wrongdoing.
The jury deliberated for about two weeks before reaching their verdict. Menendez now faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the eight counts against him. Sentencing is scheduled for April 25.
The conviction is a major setback for Menendez, who has been a fixture in New Jersey politics for nearly five decades. The son of Cuban immigrants, Menendez was a lawyer before entering politics. He served as mayor of Union City, N.J., from 1986 to 1992, and as a state senator from 1992 to 2006.
Menendez was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006. He is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Banking Committee.
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