Nadine Menendez, the wife of former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted Monday on multiple counts of accepting bribes alongside her husband. A jury in Manhattan found her guilty of accepting cash, gold bars, and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen seeking assistance with their business dealings and legal issues. This verdict comes as Bob Menendez awaits an 11-year prison sentence set to begin in June.
The trial, which lasted three weeks, showcased evidence of the couple’s relationship beginning in early 2018 and continuing amidst their legal troubles. Prosecutors labeled them “partners in crime,” detailing how FBI agents discovered nearly $150,000 in gold and $480,000 in cash hidden in their home during a 2022 raid. A Mercedes-Benz convertible was also seized, alleged to be a bribe.
Both Nadine and Bob Menendez have maintained their innocence. Their trials were originally scheduled together, but Nadine’s was delayed due to her breast cancer diagnosis. Bob Menendez resigned from the Senate last August following his conviction and had previously served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Prosecutors argued that Nadine played a significant role in facilitating bribes for her husband, particularly during their courtship before their marriage in 2020. Testimony revealed she was at risk of losing her home after missing mortgage payments, and her friend provided cash to help her, which led to Bob Menendez assisting in protecting the friend’s business interests with the Egyptian government.
Nadine Menendez also received a new car after her previous vehicle was involved in a fatal accident, which prosecutors argued was part of a quid pro quo arrangement with businessman Jose Uribe. Additional bribes from real estate developer Fred Daibes were aimed at securing protection from criminal prosecution.
Nadine’s sentencing is scheduled for June 12, just days after her husband is expected to report to prison. Her defense attorney contended that the evidence was insufficient for a conviction, while prosecutors described the evidence against her as “consistent and overwhelming.”
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