Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty of accepting bribes in the form of cash and gold, and of serving as a foreign agent for Egypt.
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was found guilty on all charges on Tuesday in a comprehensive corruption trial. He was accused of accepting bribes in the form of gold and cash from three businessmen based in New Jersey and of acting as an agent for the Egyptian government.
After deliberating for parts of three days, a jury in Manhattan concluded that the Democrat was guilty of 16 crimes. These crimes included bribery, extortion, honest services fraud, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy.
Prosecutors argued that Menendez misused the power of his office to shield allies from criminal investigations and to financially benefit his associates, including his wife. His corrupt activities included meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials and adopting a more lenient stance toward Egypt, thereby facilitating the country's access to millions of dollars in U.S. military aid.
During the reading of the verdict, the 70-year-old senator occasionally looked toward the jury and appeared to mark a document in front of him. After the verdict was delivered, he sat with his chin resting on his closed hands, elbows on the table. As he exited the courthouse, he vowed to appeal the decision.
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