July 16, 2024
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) was convicted today on 16 charges of bribery, extortion, wire fraud, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent. The former Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee accepted gold ingots, cash, and an expensive car in exchange for favors. His co-defendants Fred Daibes and Wael Hana were also found guilty. The jury began deliberations Friday and continued all day yesterday without reaching a verdict. Today they found Menendez guilty.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ) called on Menendez to resign. Murphy’s office issued the following statement:
“Today’s 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.
“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.”
Robert Menendez leaving the Courthouse on Worth Street yesterday afternoon.