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Sen. Bob Menendez Bribery Trial
Prosecutors Detail Bribery Claims Against Sen. Bob Menendez
In a closing argument at Sen. Bob Menendez‘s bribery trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Monteleoni told a Manhattan federal court jury that Menendez put his power up for sale. According to NBC Philadelphia, the prosecution claims Menendez who was once chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has received bribes in the form of gold, cash, and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen. These businessmen allegedly showered Menendez and his wife with hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for political favors. Monteleoni detailed how the jury would see evidence, including emails, text messages, and fingerprint evidence linking Menendez and his wife to the businessmen and the bribes. During an FBI raid on the Menendez residence in June 2022, agents found large sums of cash hidden in coat pockets, boots, and boxes with fingerprints tying the money to the businessmen and Menendez.
Prosecutors accuse Sen. Bob Menendez of using his powerful positions like overseeing military aid to Egypt and influencing federal prosecutor appointments to benefit businessmen who allegedly bribed him with over $480,000 in cash, gold bars, and a luxury car. They argue Menendez‘s actions from 2018 to 2022 aimed to advance the businessmen’s interests including securing exclusive rights for one to certify meat exports to Egypt as meeting Islamic dietary standards. The trial that is now in its ninth week has featured extensive evidence—witness testimony, documents, emails, texts, and phone records. Menendez and two businessmen plead not guilty; a third businessman admitted guilt and testified against them. Despite claims of innocence, Menendez, in public office since 1986 and appointed to the Senate in 2006 stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following charges.
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Bob Menendez Corruption Scandal: Prosecutors Uncover $480,000 Bribery Scheme Exposing Luxury Lifestyle (PHOTO: USNews.com)
Second Bribery Trial for Sen. Bob Menendez: Past, Present, and Defense Claims
Furthermore, Sen. Bob Menendez is also on his second bribery trial in the past ten years having lost his first trial in 2017 in New Jersey due to a jury deadlock. Amidst the fresh accusations he resigned from his position as Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman. Menendez entered a not guilty plea as did his spouse Nadine. Surgery for breast cancer has delayed Nadine’s trial. The defense contends that the cash at home was a result of a family habit from their 1951 flight from Cuba and that the gold bars belonged to Nadine. Menendez was appointed to the Senate by the then-Governor in 2006 and he has held public service since 1986. Corzine, Jon.
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