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Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty on all charges, including acting as a foreign agent, in his federal corruption trial.
Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty on all charges, including acting as a foreign agent, in his federal corruption trial.
Federal prosecutors in New York accused the New Jersey Democrat of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including cash, gold bars, and mortgage payments, in exchange for his political influence. The alleged beneficiaries were three New Jersey businessmen, the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Two of the co-defendants, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also found guilty on all counts.
The jury deliberated for approximately 13 hours over three days.
"I have never, ever been a foreign agent," says Menendez.
Menendez pleaded not guilty to 16 federal charges, including bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction. He expressed his intention to appeal his conviction and stated he is "deeply disappointed" by the jury's decision.
"I have never violated my oath," he said outside the courthouse on Tuesday. "I have always been a patriot of my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent."
He added that the jury's decision could "put at risk every member of the United States Senate regarding what they consider to be a foreign agent."
Menendez did not respond to questions about whether he will resign.
He will be sentenced on October 29 and faces decades in prison.
Calls for Resignation
Despite his conviction, Menendez is not required to resign, though he could be expelled.
Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called for his resignation immediately after the verdict.
"In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," said Schumer.
Senator Cory Booker, Menendez's New Jersey counterpart, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also called for his immediate resignation. Murphy stated that if Menendez refuses to vacate his office, he will urge the U.S. Senate to expel him.