Former senator’s wife convicted in bribery trial

A U.S. District Court in New York on Monday found Nadine Menendez guilty of charges including bribery and obstruction of justice. She aided her husband, former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D.-N.J., in a yearslong scheme to make policies benefiting the Egyptian and Qatari governments in exchange for lavish gifts. Her attorney argued during closing arguments that evidence had not proverb the charges.

The power of government officials may not be sold and those who aid corruption will be held accountable, said Acting United States Attorney Matthew Podolsky.

Menendez often accepted gifts on her husband’s behalf, including gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz convertible, according to court documents. She also helped pass sensitive U.S. government information to the Egyptian government, according to the Justice Department. Her husband used his influence in foreign policy decisions as the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more than five years.

What penalties does former senator Menendez face for his role in the scheme? He was sentenced to 11 years in prison in January, according to the Justice Department. Menendez has maintained his innocence and said that he planned to appeal. His wife was indicted in 2023 along with him and other defendants, but her trial was repeatedly delayed due to breast cancer treatments.

When will Nadine Menendez be sentenced? Her sentencing hearing is set for June 12, the BBC reported.

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