BY KRISTOPHER SEALS
NEW YORK – As the nation reeled from the near assassination of one convicted political figure, another one just heard a jury foreman say, “Guilty.”
On July 16, U.S. Senator Robert “Bob” Menendez (D-NJ) was found guilty on 16 counts, which included items such as conspiracy to take bribes, extortion, honest services fraud, acting as a foreign agent, and more. The conclusion of the nine-week trial came after 13 hours of jury deliberations. The Senator’s lawyers have already said that they will appeal.
Right after the verdict, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, “Moments ago, a jury convicted Senator Robert Menendez of corruption offenses. This case has always been about shocking levels of corruption. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes, including gold, cash, and a Mercedes-Benz. This wasn’t politics as usual; this was politics for profit.
“Because Senator Menendez has now been found guilty, his years of selling his office to the highest bidder have finally come to an end. Corruption isn’t costless: it erodes public trust, and it undermines the rule of law. That’s why we’re so committed to fighting it, regardless of political party.
“I want to thank the career prosecutors and law enforcement agents who meticulously investigated and prosecuted this case. Their work brought this egregious corruption to light. They are the best of the best, and I am enormously proud to serve with them.”
After the trial, a defiant Menendez said, “I have never violated my public oath. I have never been anything but a patriot of my country – and for my country. I have never been a foreign agent.”
Upon the stunning conviction, prominent leaders asked him to step down as Senator.
“In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign,” Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X.
“Today’s (July 16) verdict finding Senator Bob Menendez guilty on 16 counts demonstrates that the Senator broke the law, violated the trust of his constituents, and betrayed his oath of office. It also shows that in America, everyone – no matter how powerful – is accountable to our laws,” said NJ Governor Phil Murphy in a statement.
“Senator Menendez received a fair trial and due process of law as he was entitled to under our Constitution. I want to thank all the public servants who play crucial roles in our criminal justice system, including our law enforcement officials, prosecutors, defense attorneys, jurors, and judges. Their hard work ensured that these brazen crimes were proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and our nation is grateful for their service.
“I reiterate my call for Senator Menendez to resign immediately after being found guilty of endangering national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system. If he refuses to vacate his office, I call on the U.S. Senate to vote to expel him. In the event of a vacancy, I will exercise my duty to make a temporary appointment to ensure the people of New Jersey have the representation they deserve.”
Menendez, 70, will face sentencing in October. Though unlikely to serve the max, U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein could hit him with up to 200 years in prison.
Meanwhile, Menendez’s wife Nadine will be tried separately for her alleged role in the crimes. That trial is in a holding pattern, as she is recovering from cancer treatment.
