The federal corruption trial against Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and his co-defendants has entered the deliberation phase after hearing from 37 witnesses over nine weeks of testimony. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours on Friday and will resume proceedings at 9:30 a.m. ET on Monday.
Menendez and his co-defendants, New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, are accused of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving Egyptian military interests, criminal prosecutions, and securing investments from Qatari officials. Menendez allegedly received bribes such as gold bars, cash, and a Mercedes Benz convertible for his influence.
The senator’s wife, Nadine Menendez, is also charged in the case but will be tried separately later this year due to her treatment for breast cancer. Bob Menendez faces 16 counts, including bribery, extortion, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent.
Prosecutors spent nearly seven weeks untangling multiple corruption schemes allegedly involving the Menendezes and their co-defendants. The defense has consistently maintained that the senator was unaware of the deals his wife struck with the co-defendants.
The trial, which has been overshadowed by other high-profile cases, could have broader consequences, potentially imperiling Democrats’ Senate majority and affecting New Jersey politics. Menendez, who is up for reelection in November, did not run in the Democratic primary and has considered running as an independent if acquitted.
The verdict in Menendez’s case will be closely watched as it could impact the political landscape in New Jersey and beyond.
