Senator Robert Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been indicted on bribery charges.
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His wife, Nadine Menendez, is also facing charges related to bribery. This marks the second indictment of Senator Menendez during his tenure as a senator.
Bribery Allegations
Senator Menendez and his wife are accused of bribery in connection with an alleged agreement to use their influence in exchange for financial benefits for three New Jersey businessmen and the Egyptian government.
The indictment was filed in Manhattan federal court.
Charges
The charges include conspiring to bribe others, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to engage in extortion in violation of the legal right.
The bribes allegedly involved "cash, gold bars, mortgage payments, compensation for a low-or-no-show job, a luxury vehicle, and other valuable items."
Discovery of Funds
Federal agents executed search warrants at the Menendez's residence in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, in June 2022.
They discovered over $480,000 in funds hidden in envelopes, clothing, closets, and a safe, as well as jackets with the senator's name.
Nadine Menendez had over $70,000 in a safe deposit box.
Other Discoveries
Agents found an expensive Mercedes-Benz convertible valued at over $60,000, given to Nadine Menendez by New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Jose Uribe in exchange for the senator's intervention in a state prosecutor's case and an inquiry into a worker.
Gold bars, donated by businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also found at the senator's house.
Charges Against Businessmen
The three businessmen involved in the alleged bribery scheme are also named in the indictment.
Senator Menendez's Response
Senator Menendez will step down as Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee while the investigation continues.
He denied the allegations, stating that prosecutors "misrepresented the normal work of a Congressional office."
He emphasized his commitment to continuing his work despite the allegations.
Nadine Menendez's Response
Nadine Menendez's attorney, David Schertler, denied any wrongdoing on her part and pledged to vigorously defend against the allegations in court.
Upcoming Court Appearance
The Menendezes are scheduled to appear before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced the charges during a press conference.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have asked anyone with information about the case to contact an FBI tipline.
Main Charge
The primary charge against Senator Menendez is that he provided sensitive U.S. government information and took actions to secretly benefit the government of Egypt.
The indictment also alleges that he pushed for the protection of a commercial exclusive right granted to businessman Wael Hana by Egypt.
Background on Relationship
The indictment details a longstanding friendship between Nadine Menendez and businessman Wael Hana before she began dating Senator Menendez.
They are accused of trying to establish corrupt agreements involving Egyptian military and intelligence officials in exchange for bribes.
This article outlines the indictment of Senator Bob Menendez and his wife on bribery charges, including details of the allegations, discoveries made during the investigation, responses from the accused, and the ongoing legal proceedings.
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