A federal jury found Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) guilty on all charges in a high-profile corruption trial. Menendez and his associates, Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, faced a nine-week trial resulting in a guilty verdict on 16 counts. The senator could face over 200 years in prison, though such a severe sentence is unlikely. Sentencing is scheduled for October 29.
Menendez, maintaining his innocence, criticized the verdict and declared plans to appeal. Despite widespread calls for his resignation, he has not stepped down. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy have both urged Menendez to resign.
“This case exposed a shocking level of corruption,” said U.S. Attorney Damien Williams. Prosecutors presented evidence, including emails and FBI testimony, that Menendez accepted lavish gifts, including gold bars and cash, from foreign governments.
