New Jersey, USA

A jury on Tuesday (Jul 16) reached a verdict in the ongoing corruption case against New Jersey Democrat Senator Bob Menendez and found him guilty on all counts. The powerful, 70-year-old politician is accused of running a foreign corruption scheme, earning dollars, gold and even a luxury car in exchange for offering favours to businessmen and even governments. Three New Jersey businessmen have also been charged in the case. Menendez earlier pleaded not guilty to 16 federal charges, including bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent and obstruction.

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Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer 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," he said.

Allegations against Menendez

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Federal prosecutors alleged that Menendez used his position as the former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman to help one businessman hammer out a contract with Egyptian officials.

They also alleged that being a senior senator in New Jersey, he helped one accomplice accused in an insurance fraud case escape investigation.

According to prosecutors, another New Jersey businessman Jose Uribe paid $15,000 in cash to Menendez's wife Nadine in the spring of 2019. She used the money as down payment for the luxury car that the duo bought.

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She texted Menendez, "Congratulations. We are the proud owners of a 2019 Mercedes," according to prosecutors.

Menendez's has also pleaded not guilty to the charges that are due to be tried separately.

FBI raid

In June 2022, USA's federal investigative agency FBI raided Menendez's house and found 13 gold bars, nearly half a million dollars in cash and the convertible Mercedes-Benz.

Also read: US senator Menendez bribed with a Mercedes-Benz, admits New Jersey businessman

"Robert Menendez wanted all that power and he also wanted to use it to pile up riches for himself and his wife," said federal prosecutor Paul Monteleoni in his closing argument.

Defence's statement

The defence accused the federal prosecutors of "cherry-picking" nonsense and "fudging" the facts. "The only honest verdict I submit here is to acquit him on each count," defence attorney Adam Fee told the jury on July 9. "His actions were lawful, normal and good for the country."

Watch:Gravitas | Bob Menendez to blame wife Nadine for alleged crimes?

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Menendez has been a senator for New Jersey since 2006. He is the first sitting member of Congress to be charged with conspiracy by a public official to act as a foreign agent.

(With inputs from agencies)