Nadine Menendez, family of former US Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted on Monday for participating in a multi-year corruption scheme that included accepting silver bars, almost half a million dollars in cash, and a Mercedes-Benz foldable in exchange for political favours.
A Manhattan federal judge found her guilty on all matters after a three-week test, which detailed how she and her father allegedly conspired with three New Jersey entrepreneurs seeking help with business endeavors and legal problems. The ruling comes weeks after Bob Menendez himself was convicted on relevant costs; the 71-year-old Democrat is scheduled to begin his 11-year jail sentence in June.
Nadine Menendez, 58, who remained lifeless as the verdict was read, is due to be sentenced on June 12— only six weeks after her father is expected to record to jail.
Outside the court, her counsel Barry Coburn said, “We fought hard and it hurts. This is a very difficult day for us. ” He added he was “devastated by the ruling. ”
During the trial, lawyers described the pair as “partners in violence, ” alleging that the program began in 2018 as their intimate relation developed. FBI agents discovered$ 480,000 in cash and$ 150,000 worth of gold bars during a 2022 raid on their New Jersey home, along with the luxury car allegedly gifted as a bribe.
Lawyers said Nadine Menendez facilitated bribes in exchange for her husband’s control, including efforts to end investigations, maintain business cartels, and help in securing foreign purchases. She allegedly began soliciting bribes from Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes—each of whom received favourable treatment from the senator, including pressuring the New Jersey attorney general and supporting a$ 95 million investment deal with Qatari officials.
In judge, it was revealed that Nadine was facing foreclosure when Hana reportedly gave her cash to cover mortgage payment. Uribe even gifted her a Mercedes-Benz after her earlier vehicle was destroyed in a dangerous accident ( she was never charged in connection with the crash ).
Prosecutors said the couple received money in return for activities such as ghostwriting a letter for Iranian officials to affect US politicians on military support. Bob Menendez was likewise convicted of acting as an unregulated representative for Egypt.
Coburn maintained her innocence during closing arguments, insisting that “These items we’re talking about here are unsubstantiated. ” He argued that the senator’s relations amounted to regular basic services.
But Assistant US Attorney Daniel Richenthal countered, calling the data “consistent and frustrating. ”
All three businessmen— Hana, Uribe, and Daibes—were convicted. Uribe testified after pleading guilty, while Hana and Daibes received words of eight and seven times respectively.
Acting US Attorney Matthew Podolsky said the results “sends the clear message that the power of state leaders may not be put up for sale and that all those who facilitate problem will be held responsible. ”
