The wife of a former New Jersey senator has been found guilty on all counts for a bribery scheme involving cash, gold bars, political favours and more.
Nadine Menendez was found guilty on all 15 counts by a New York jury, with charges including bribery and obstruction of justice, for aiding her husband, ex-Senator Robert Menendez, who received the gifts in exchange for political favours.
Her sentencing date has been set for June 12 after being originally indicted with her husband in September 2023, but her trial was delayed due to breast cancer treatments.
Her husband was convicted in July 2024 and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Fred Daibes, a New Jersey property developer, and Wael Hana, operator of a halal certification company, were also both charged and convicted for their roles in the scheme.
Additionally, insurance broker Jose Uribe pleaded guilty in March of last year to charges related to the scheme.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Menendez was central to her husband's bribery, telling the jury it was her who often accepted the cash and other gifts on his behalf.
In a statement, the Southern District of New York's attorney's office described the couple were "partners in crime" who participated in “corrupt official acts” together.
"Today's verdict sends the clear message that the power of government officials may not be put up for sale," the statement said.
